Something I haven't seen anybody say yet:
I know you want a softboot set up, or that was your intention, because hardboot set ups are too expensive, right?
It may seem expensive right now, but you would be purchasing quality that you will most likely never have to buy again.
With a new (or even used) set of UPZ, Head, or Deeluxe/Raichle boots, and a new (or even used) set of Trench Digger, F2, or Catek bindings (or really anything with a metal frame) most likely, you will never have to buy anything else again.
Maybe a second board kit, if you get another board.
(unless of course you're a gear whore, like a few known members on BOL) :o
My 2-cents.