Hey Troy,
I agree wholeheartedly with you regarding skin and softening it. Unless, it is explicitly required, such as in a magazine cover, or for glamour portfolio shots, it shouldn't really be exercised. I will post up a version without softening, just for you, when I get a moment's chance.
I will also post a version with extreme smoothing applied, too. I'm learning as I'm going as I've never smoothed skin before. It's a real art to get it looking /just/ on the point of unbelievable.
Thanks!
H