Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

I have it, the idea is the drawstring closes the gap and you dont really feel any cold at all. If anything the small gap that may be left can be a good heat dispersing point.

Plus can be worn as a snood. Its not bad only problem for me was sizing. I have a tiny head and all their head gear is one size fits all.

Fair. That actually sounds pretty neat. It doesn't look all too bad either.

As my input, I received my City Rain Jacket the other day and really like it, so maybe worth considering that too? Faced essentially the same dilemma as you did, in the end it's waterproofness seemed to be useful for commuting. I do still really want the softshell though.