In reply to DaveHK:
I switched from hardshell to normal leggings and softshell trousers (Montane Gradient and ME Mission) about 3 years ago with a pair of Paclite waterproofs in the bag for wet walk in's, often taking them off when gearing up above the freezing level but I try my best not to walk in in the rain if I can help it! I get very sweaty walking uphill so like to be without waterpoofs on the walk in but always carry a full change of dry upper layers to climb in. Pretty much all my partners wear waterproofs with long johns underneath or with a light softshell instead.
I didn't notice any major change when I stopped wearing waterproof overtrousers in terms of warmth but definitely more mobility and don't overheat as easily when climbing. They also dry really quickly in my experience and can quite happily climb in them when hovering around the freezing level. Been considering the same switch to softshell jackets but haven't managed to find the right one to try it out given my top half doesn't feel as restricted as my legs did.
The added bonus is that softshell sticks to snow so using knees to get onto ledges is sometimes a little easier, although maybe not as much as my head thinks it is!