I came across this link to a French group that build in Strawbale but apply a poured render finish. Appears they have been using this technique since 1998 on hundreds of buildings.
http://www.greb.ca/GREB/Accueil.html
They use Lime , cement, sand and sawdust in their render. Everything I've ever read or been told is never use cement because it seals in the moisture. Well they had their render tested and it actually allows good vapour permeability. Link here-> http://www.approchepaille.fr/categoryblog/238-permeabilite-a-la-vapeur-deau-du-mortier
Rough Google translation
"After preparation and transition to the bench, the specimens have spoken. The ratio of CODEMs [2] indicates a SD (vapor diffusion resistance) through 0,231m on 5 test specimens, which gives by calculation a mu rounding (μ) 9 (8.57). This value, better than most of the estimates, so instead the permeability of the mortar GREB between the cob and the coating plaster ."
This would be a quicker way to render but i would still be concerned about differential expansion cracking. If the final render coat contained mesh it might be OK.
Anyway, just thought it was an interesting alternative render technique.