Alan you can get to semi gloss after a week or so without much effort. Get the finish built up with say 4-6 wipe on coats and then let it cure for a few days. Buffing should not remove enough finish to get witness lines.
0000 steelwool will give you a satin finish. You will need a deluxing cream, buffing cream or polish to go to semi-gloss. No need to go the full rubout routine to get an already nice, smooth, flat, gloss to a semi-gloss.
Scott
Finishing is an 'Art & a Science'. Actually, it is a process. You must understand the properties and tendencies of the finish you are using. You must know the proper steps and techniques, then you must execute them properly.