Short vs Soft Field Takeoff and Landings

In an attempt to get the board back on track with aviation
subjects...Of late I have been doing curriculum directed training for
soft and short field ops. What strikes me is the absolute limited
thinking on the subject as far as the books and available study
courses. For example......
What is a soft field? Sand, gravel, grass, mud, water (rainfall), snow?
What about a hard surface with 6" of fresh snow? Short could be a 9000'
runway that the snowplow cleared a swath of 25' and the thing broke
down after about 1500' of runway. ??? Ok.........
A short field takeoff nearly always assumes a 50' obstacle and directs
the technique in that direction. Well, what about a short field that is
pointed over a lake, or the ocean? No obstacle to contend with.??
How about a short/soft/obstacle with a good crosswind? Not hard to
conjure up....landing on a curving beach??
Landing with a short and potentially soft field....technique change?
Add an obstacle...?
when is the last time you got out there and really checked to see what
the (your) aircraft is capable of with your present state of
proficiency? Don't think it important? If you don't think so, you have
never been faced with an actual emergency and few options for a landing
spot.
What about precision landings? Done any lately? If not, WHY NOT? Have
you checked the book to see what the numbers are and gone out to see if
you can match them? Have you ever read the fine print to qualify the
conditions for either takeoff or landing? Don't forget,THE LARGE PRINT
GIVETH and the small print taketh away.......
Hope this stirs some discussion.
Rocky aka Ol Shy & Bashful 23,000+ hrs and going strong after 70