Yes, the powder and BA should be gently heated to help dissolve what can be dissolved if it cant all be dissolved then I use the oil with BA added in, heat and mix, and keep adding a little at a time so it doesn't clump, or supersaturate the oil in there before the rest can be added.
Now, im not saying you cannot add BB but its not necessary, I only use it in some formulas..My new recipes for test P,test E, test C, are all BB free and painless.
Its a thinner and has other values but so many have decided to use it so why not, but its not always necessary.