Wow, that's a lot to try to answer at one time, but I'll give it my best shot :-)
First, you have an awesome friend to let you borrow her Wen, glad you were able to try it before purchasing on your own. Here's a very basic breakdown of formulas:
Sweet Almond Mint - first one created, wheat based, core CC, considered universal, pretty moisturizing.
Tea Tree - wheat based, core CC, get for finicky scalps, fairly moisturizing, relatively universal
Cucumber Aloe - wheat based, core CC, considered the most astringent
Lavender - wheat based, core CC, great for volume, fine thin hair, can be drying
Fig - wheat based, core CC, most moisturizing, for dry, damaged hair
Pomegranate - soy based, core CC, universal
613 - soy based, considered the most treatment intensive, protein-heavy formula
Bamboo Green Tea - rice based, contains additional amino acids not found in core products, touted as universal, but can be drying for some with continued use
Mandarin Italian Fig - rice based, has additional amino acids, may be more moisturizing than BGT
Seasonal CCs - all soy based, additional amino acids, performance varies based on variety.
Now, to try to answer your questions, everyone has different results, you'll have to figure out what works best for you. If you had great results with the seasonal variety set, then you could always try another seasonal product. If you're interested in the cores, there are a variety of sets available that will allow you to try several formulas.
You can do your cleansing however you want, it's just trial and error to what works best for you. Some people don't do a double cleanse, just one works fine for them.
My experience: my hair is fine in texture, but thick, pretty long (few inches beneath my bra strap). My hair loves TT, SAM, LAV and CA. I can use almost any combination of these and have great hair. My hair does not like the products with the additional amino acids, so I can only use those in moderation. I use BGT occasionally, maybe twice each month. (Will not repurchase once I run out). I love the fragrance of the seasonals, some work better for me than others, but I can only use them once or twice each week. I will not purchase any more 613, again, my hair doesn't like all of the extra protein.
Wen is a great system, I've used it exclusively for over three years and have amazing hair ;-) Some people are lucky and can use any CC and have great results. Others (like me) are a bit different and have a select few (or one or two) that work best for them. My advice is to start with the smaller sizes to determine the best products for you. Best of luck!
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