1.   And many said that the fact that they had come did not mean their political positions had softened.

2.   Helms has given no sign that his position has softened.

3.   Some were suggesting that the gesture by Orangemen had begun a new era, in which hardened positions could soften with compromise.

4.   That position has softened slightly.

5.   That position has softened somewhat.

6.   The rebels omitted that demand Saturday in a communique, which was taken by some as a possible sign that their position had softened.

7.   The rebels had omitted that demand in a communique read Saturday, raising some hopes that positions were softening.