That's more of a response that makes sense.
Making blanket statements about a ball pythons activities only defeats your purpose of teaching others.
I have kept over 70 snakes and seen numerous soakers, and they soak every shed period.
I currently have 21 in house and 3 like to soak, every time they shed.
Not trying to be a kill joy, I just don't think you can make a statement that they won't soak or don't soak during shed periods.
Humidity is the key, if they have good humidity then they most likely won't soak.
But keep them in lower humidity and give them a bowl large enough to soak in and many will.