Ok. Here's my point of view. For this one I went soft, and easy on the eyes. Too much contrast would take away from this effect and sharpen would too. I tried both, but they take away from the soft effect. Also for the text, I wanted to make it feel soft as well, and be kinda hidden. I know you guys really don't like it, but I think it suits this piece fine.

Thanks for the comments though, ill try some of that stuff next time.