Thanks for the detailed response. I don't think I will have to deal with extreme winters like that in Canada so my warmth requirements are pretty tame. I think I might run warmer than many people too. So I think a combination of wool layers and a waterproof shell would work for me.

I've read about massaging loose feathers instead of pulling them. I think I need more practice with it because I can never manage to get it back in and I just make it worse.