Recommendations for a sub $1K FX portrait lens

I have not used that lens but other D model lenses I have used seem to have that quality. I think what you say is quite likely.

For portraits you probably don't want super sharp. One of the funniest posts I have seen on this site where the photographer was missing the point of the shot and was overconcerned with sharpness were wedding shots with a new Zeiss 35mm. Sure they were razor sharp but boy did the bride look bad! I am sure she would have been less than thrilled with the final images despite how sharp that Zeiss was!

Its the final product that counts here - the portrait. That does not mean showing every flaw in perfect detail!

Greg.