Try this as an experiment.....
Plaster a cupboard or something not "on show" in the usual way, except.....only trowel after flattening once.......after a while run in the corners, ceiling line and clean any woodwork, leave the wall alone assuming its reasonably flat for a little longer.........then trowel as usual, minimum water, clean down/up, as it begins to change colour give it one more dry pass if you think it needs it. Check it the next day and assess the quality, I suspect you will be pleasantly surprised, a Matt flat finish ready for paint, less effort, less stress. If you can, see the cupboard after it's decorated and compare to your usual work.