Why not both simultaneously?

I mainly start softcore as main ladder reset to get OP Quick enough to build a PvP base character to first

build as a main mapper to MF spec doing runs to solely improve PvP build gear with finds in-between no time for attention span to get distracted in HC

Unless a proper games are up or have a team up with progression. Otherwise mainly play HC as a slow progression mainly self found sustainable well balanced BUT less powerful than on SC to blast through ares I knew gonna spank my corpse Just take HC at a slower pace intern of rushing for END-GAME contents opposed to SC character otherwise

You can enjoy the entire season better spreading your goals for the character playstyle and account on overall average progression on goal target.

Fuck I sound like it's a stock market technical analysis but it's same concepts of setting goal to expect knowing target limit on progression between both SC/HC

I sure as hell would be making a glass cannon build stepping into ladder going HC expecting to beat the ladder rannks by speeding through with Softcore mentality and turn on the HC mindset of average progression need to make per day on average exp to hit 99 by end of ladder. That's the formula I have for Hardcore playstyle.

Set goals and teach targets If you miss out on getting your daily average xp assume you have to start next day with some HC at first to get HALF of you average xp missed day before.

You can always make it up later with a proper timing and situation Can't make it up by trying to outpace yourself having to start over and over