You’re correct Matt. “Softening“ is a technically incorrect term and it is actually pincushion distortion to minimize globe effect. IME the 42mm SF has an amazing balance of detail, immersion, and overall ease of view. I’m personally fairly sensitive to globe effect and although I‘ve always admired the design, I could never get along with the ELs. As others have pointed out, the NLs have an odd effect going on at the edge of the image. Having had the NLs and SFs side-by-side, they are both spectacular but very different. I’d still describe the SF view as easier / more comfortable; and while NLs definitely take some getting used to, the detail is amazing.