To answer the original question, I've had a softride qualifer and a TT7. I currently own a double diamond aero TT bike. Here are my first hand observations. Nothing will beat the softride for comfort. I've ridden Kestrels, treks and some other frames. Hands down the softride is the most comfy. The softride is the most adjustable bike as well. you can dial it in, then dial it in some more.
Your going to become more efficient in pedalling on the softride. If not you get the bouncing effect that you see from time to time. Softrides are a bit heavier but it makes not real difference. Mine w/race wheels was 23.5. I smoked people going up hills all the time on rigs weighing 4-4.5 pounds less. Killed them worse going down! I've turned in some top 15 bike splits in extremely competitive national races.
Your, at least in my cases, going to have to become a better wrench. I like to think of my softride qualifier as a race car. something is always coming loose. Give it TLC and it will cradle your butt like no other bike.
The reasons I switched from it was, it is old, going on 10 yrs. It needed more work, especially when taking it apart to travel. I felt like it was time for something new. I will be building it back up for IMAZ though. I'm also thinking about getting another TT7 or Classic TT instead. The classic's don't look as cool as the TT7.
I sold my TT7 w/7 miles on it b/c I needed a L even though the spec sheets and my qualifier measurements pointed to a M/L. My advice is physically put your hands on the one your going to be buying. Any other ?'s PM me.
Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching Insta