Board spec question and the Burton Baron

I am looking for a new board for east coast riding. I usually ride
about 30 days a year.

My current board:
2002 Ride Mountain
Length: 163
Waist width: 272

I am checking out the burton baron. I had bought wide board last time
to accomidate my old boots, which were size 13. My current boots are
11.5, so I want to get a narrower board for the smaller eastern
mountains, more jumps and east coast ice.

Anybody have experience with this board? I am looking for a slightly
softer and more narrow board. My current board is really stiff. I am
6'2" and weight between 205-210. This is on the high end of the weight
range for the burton board. The 163 says its good up to 200+, and the
167 is good up to 210+. I have heard that burton boards are
traditionally softer. Is this true? Also, this board comes in 162 or
167. I dont know which board to get. I have not had stability
problems with my current 163, but I am concerned with going down to a
162 and when I talk to guys at shops, they have all said to get the
bigger board. Anybody have any thoughts on this subject or burton
boards in general?

Thanks,
-franklynn