Hi All,
I would rather have neither, but if I had to choose, I would go with a little too soft. Brittle hooks are an abomination, and break way too easily. When one breaks all is lost. At least with a hook that is too soft you have some chance.
If I find I have a box of hooks that are either seriously too soft or too hard, they get pitched. I have no desire to tie a fly on a bum hook. I can live with a little harder or a little softer than is preferred, but there are limits.
Regards,
Gandolf