In reply to 20thcenturymishap:
Heya - I have similar struggles - by hardshell you're after waterproof right?
Currently I have an old rab pair that aren't brilliant but just thought I'd comment as I have tried on the ME Tupilaks before and they fit me really well and are a great hardshell pair you could definitely layer with as they aren't insulated and have good crampon protective patches too. Sadly the snag is the price (I just tried them on and didn't buy them as they were too expensive...) but I'm a student so might be an option you could look at!
Equally I find the ME (I think Ibex? ) soft shell trousers fit a small waist and larger thighs well too.