Here is an update to my jacket search.
I ended up buying the Stratus because I needed a warmer synthetic in addition to my Compressor. I understand the "shell over insulation" concept, and it works to an extent, but I always bring an additional layer when winter hiking because a base layer –> Compressor –> shell setup just wouldn't be warm enough for me during non-moving times. So I bought the Stratus, but then I ended up returning it. The good: very warm, water resistant, I liked thumb loops; the bad: bad fitting hood with limited adjustability, no insulation on the outside of the hand warmer pockets, poor build quality, heavy. After wearing it around the house for a week or so, I decided it wasn't for me. I returned it (to STP) and got the Mountain Hardwear B'layman jacket instead, which I am a lot more pleased with. It addresses all of my dislikes with the Stratus and is very warm. I am really surprised how warm this jacket is for how thin and compressible it is. My only gripe is that the Airshield fabric on the arms, hood, and shoulders is audibly "crinkly" when you move, but it's not a deal breaker by any means, and the fabric is very durable and water resistant. So far I've just worn it around the house, but I'm taking it on my first winter hike of the season tomorrow, and I'm sure it will do very well.
