Krypto suggested Button Savior as a replacement for SoftKeys if one prefers something less obtrusive or can't configure it successfully.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/button-s...om.smart.swkey
I started using it today. It stays discreetly on the side of the screen and works great.
I still use SoftKeys when I want to access my recent tasks/apps. I can't part with this feature. Maybe I can find an app that does just that.