Okay, I just felt mine and it is soft. It has texture, like a linen, but it definitely does not feel like plastic at all. Any other questions about yours? I have mine right here and will be glad to answer...if I can.
I can't believe that I (a purseaholic) stumbled upon this site, and that I didn't know about it before. Yeahhh.
The stiffness of the spy's lining surprised me too but I think it may help keep the shape of the bag and gives it a bit of foundation or form. I've gotten very used to it now.. it stays very clean too.