He thought the arc sounded good. By cathodic etching do you mean the infamous "cleaning action"? If that's what you mean, my answer would be "kind of", not nearly to the extent I see in youtube videos of the process.

Tungsten is 3/32" lanthanated 2%. #7 gas lens, argon at 20 cfh. Tungsten is balled and clean after welding. Tried grinding it to a point, leaving it squared off, and everything in-between. Result after welding is a blunted, small ball and clean either way.