Is there a way to have the Backpack plugin interact in accordance to the Softcore mode? On my server, backpacks drop when you die. Can it be worked that half drops, half doesn't, much like Softcore?

Sure, that sounds doable. Looks like the game uses multiple cvars: reclaim_fraction_main, reclaim_fraction_belt, and reclaim_fraction_wear. Would make sense for Backpacks to have a config option for the reclaim fraction of backpacks, possibly with different fractions possible with permissions. I have some other plugin updates in the queue, so you can possibly expect this in March.

You do whatever you have to do on your own timeframe, my friend. I appreciate the response and consideration. 

This has been implemented in 3.5.0, which is currently available for download in the beta thread.

https://umod.org/community/backpacks/31436-backpacks-beta-350