I've gone to a very thin soft shell as well for windy weather. I don't use any shell unless it's pretty windy. That way, the moving air helps to dry you out faster.
Ditto on the use of puffy insulation while sitting. Just as long as it, too, breaths to some degree.
Another trick I like is to use whatever shell I have to wrap my legs when I sit on cold mornings. That and sit on a piece of foam to keep my butt warm. E
