we just did a F18 measuring session and the fully batten jib is exactly the same shape as the 'soft' jib when laid on top of each other. the cut was slightly different tho' - i think that the fully batten sail had less panels. the differences were pretty unimpressive.
i never get the argument that the battens make a jib last longer - JUST PULL A LINE AND ROLL IT UP! if its flogging on the beach.

The problem is that if the hotshots are all using them, we will all follow suit no matter how this discussion pans out.