I'm relieved to hear all the news lately about AB soap. It verifies what I've felt for years.
I've also heard that there is evidence that the most effective part of washing is friction, and that the main function of soap is to get you to rub more to get rid of the soapy feeling. With that in mind, I do carry a small scrap of soap when I travel but if I need to wash in free flowing water I don't use it. It works OK for me--I don't get skin problems. Others may complain about the smell but it doesn't bother me.
It's nice to get away from the chemical perfumes, actually. Its funny cycling behind a townie, in the draft of perfume, realizing it's that morning's shower soap and shampoo, shaving cream, deodorant--normal stuff that's not part of my life at the moment.