You guys didn't setup the softmod correctly. I softmod boxes all the time and they can all boot to m$ dash if necessary.
You first create a backup of your original dash, then you apply the softmod.
Afterwards, you install a hacked dashboard (unleashX, EvoX, etc....).
Finally, you PATCH your m$ dash (a ppf file patches it and renames it for you).
Once complete, you can load your m$ dash whenever you wish.