In reply to lordyosch:
As a cynic, I have a suspicion that softshell gets pushed because there's more money in it...
Fleece isn't 'technical' enough. Apart from the 'technical' fleeces, of course...
Softshell seems to have too narrow an operating weather range, and isn't waterproof, so you need one of those, too.
And I'm still not convinced by the synthgetic replacement mid-layers; again, more money to be made, and not as long-lasting.
There's still a lot to be said for a five-layer system of base layer, fleece, windprooif, waterproof and insulating overlayer. And I own about 25 soft shells...
Recently, I've found myself wearing very light fleece base layer (PowerDry or similar), and layering a shelled micropile. So I am wearing some of my softshell collection, but fleece too...