I didn't notice much, if any, difference between my '04 replacement seat and my '03 seat when it was new. The difference I've noticed (so far) is that the '04 seems to be waterproof...it hasn't filled with water and frozen like my '03 did! If and when the '04 seat wears out, I'll look for something else...but it doesn't sound like it will be an '05 seat if its softer! I'm a big guy, and I want to make sure the seat doesn't collaps like my '03 did. I found all the foam squished down beside the tunnel, instead of being on top of it! I'm big, but not THAT big...I go around 250 lbs. I shouldn't be destroying seats...
Jim