I didn’t find them any different from D’Addario EXLs in the same gauge when I changed over IIRC. I certainly don’t remember having to adjust the truss rod at all.
I used to use Softys and eventually wore them out. I have stated earlier that I dislike ladder adjustments. However, I see that the Fab Softy features this dubious adjustment, but with a buckle adjustment at the other end. Ooh! Colour me intrigued.
I previously posted that my playing hadn’t improved and may have even taken a retrograde step. However, this has all changed. Since recently taking delivery of a new short scale bass (a JMJ Mustang) I’ve been playing way more and I think my chops have never been better. I don’t think it’s just a matter of playing more (although this is certainly a factor) but also taking to the new scale like a duck to water. This could well be the way of the future for me scale wise.
The beauty of trade ins, as @adamg67 points out, is that it’s immediate and a lot less hassle. Along side that, and a way to justify the drop in instrument equity, is to think did you get £x worth of use/enjoyment out of it during ownership?