In reply to BnB:
> Most of the majors seem to have dropped it, presumably owing to poor sales performance.
That's interesting - I wonder if that is really the case?
I think jackets like this suffer from people not really knowing what they are. I reckon in the UK we have it drummed into us from scouts/DofE/walking with family when kids etc. that a waterproof is a waterproof, and you are risking the lives of innocent volunteer mountain rescuers if you go for a summer stroll without one! With superlight shells available (I'm testing one at the moment which is well under 200 grams and not particularly expensive) there is even less reason not to have one 'just in case'. Going out with just a 'softshell' doesn't feel right - even if your softshell seems like this one actually to be waterproof.
This jacket actually sounds really good for summer rock climbing in the mountains or sea cliffs - would work like softshell most of the time but will keep you dry if the rain does start. But in which case why no helmet hood Rab?!