i used make all kinds of bread myself and sourdough was a knack i eventually mastered. hade my own culture for years.
i am allergic to yeast a bit now so stick to non yeast bread now and tbh soda bread is great. never did the pot way although been told it was an excellent way to cook it.
hand made bread always beats a bread maker but convienience wise it was great to just fire the stuff in the pan and switch on...got a panasonic obe but mot used it for a while now.
good luck with the soda...it really is easy as pie. you just want it to just be able to absorb the flour in no more. dont work it as you dont want any gluten