You're doing everything right! I have used Wright's silver (cream) polish for 40 plus years. It comes with a very fine sponge - and yes, it takes a while. Go in a circular fashion, rinse, rinse sponge and continue to another area. Regarding the feet, You want some of the dark areas to show. Enhances the design. The silver itself takes on a glow, called a patina. It should not be "glossy" or mirror like. There are products out there, liquids, that smell horrible, can't be in contact with the metal for more than a couple of seconds, and take all the character away. Oh, and after you've finished polishing, rinsing, and etc., use a nice SOFT cloth to finish off with. Old flannel shirts make good drying rags. That softer silver look is sometimes called a "Butler's finish".
Keep up the good work. Best wishes, KB