GE softlites...soft enough??

I feel a little guilty about adding this post since this thread is titled "Pro Lighting" but here goes. I might be able to get away with incandescent lights if I get close enough to the talent. Initially I thought fluorescents were my only option due to the low heat output and my small air conditioner. Are the GE softlites diffuse enough for portrait lighting without any additional diffusion material?? I seem to remember some rule of thumb about testing for sufficient diffusion by putting an object a few inches from the talent and checking for the objects shadow. I'm using all digital cameras and camcorders so I can white balance and solve any color temperature problem right??