I'm not exactly sure where you get the idea that the Ross Homocentric is a soft focus lens. I've used one for over 30 years and I have never gotten soft focus out of it. The picture above may be due more to the lighting; fim dev.; etc. Still a great lens. I was out just yesterday with mine.
Peter
It maybe due to the *bay syndrome, i.e., puffing. It was part of how it was advertised. However, when my 10" Ross it is wide open, it does have, IMO, nice bokeh. My Verito definitely has a more "natural" diffused look and depending on the subject, too much IMO when it is wideopen. But regardless, like you, I believe it is a great old lens. Thanks for your comment.