yes, the zd files look soft. just like my files when I would use acr with the standard settings. acr renders a bit soft/mushy. using raw developper with the right settings, the files will look more like the phase files from the test. NOT speaking about the limitations of the zd (noise when there is not much light) the test could just as well demonstrate how much sharper the zeiss lens is, or how much better the raw software is.
but then again - I might be completely wrong.
stefan