Character Lenses vs. Clinical Sharpness: When is Softer Better?

Hey everyone, I'm Jason, a working Gaffer, and I've been mulling over something I've heard bouncing around lately: not always chasing maximum sharpness. On a recent indie drama shoot with a V-RAPTOR XL, we leaned into some older Canon K35s for a dream sequence, and the softer edges and subtle flaring really elevated the mood. It felt right for that specific scene. But it got me thinking beyond just 'dream sequences.'

I’m trying to articulate other specific narrative scenarios where a 'character' lens, something with softer rendering, interesting bokeh, or even pleasing, controlled flares, would be a more powerful choice than a technically 'perfect' and clinically sharp lens. We’ve all seen the trend towards ultra-sharp digital, and while I understand the technical benefits, where does the artistry truly benefit from less perfection? What are some specific story beats or emotional tones where you’d deliberately pick a less 'flawless' lens?