Hiya Uli -unusual name, short for something else?
Does it have to be a soft tail? Having ridden quite a few thousand miles on various hardtails, they're really not anywhere near as harsh a ride as non hardies think they are. Less moving parts, bearings etc to wear out & a much simpler, cleaner frame design. I can understand the fun in designing & building a clever suspension set-up, but I tend to go with the easy option meself!
Hi Manky
yes its short for Ulrich
i actually never ridden a hard tail so i can't really comment
i just think a soft tail would be more comfy.
i do like the look of both your frame designs
the latter being the meaner looking
maybe i need to ride one to make my mind up
the good thing is there is no rush to get it build so i can spend lots of time thinking it all over