Yeah, that'd be an advantage of a softer tip section (as well as the cushioning & that it'd be better for casting small live bait without tearing out the hook).
I've got a CD XD Surf 14'. It's a good rod, a good general purpose surf rod. It seems there isn't much choice beyond general purpose surf rods (though there are distance casting rods - not what I'm after).
I don't know if anyone knows if the Daiwa Sensor Surf 13' is more powerful than the CD XD? I've tried to find out what they use in Australia for surf fishing for mulloway. It sounds like they like the Daiwa Sensor Surf and consider it a fairly heavy rod. It's rated for 90-180 g and 10 to 20 kilo line, but I'd guess that's exaggerated.