FWIW, my first pair of boots was broken in by a similar method. A good friend that I went to college with told me the Rangers in his batt broke their boots in by soaking them in water and wearing them until they dried.
Different leather, tanning method and cost, but if you're starting with a piece of crap jacket and thinking about going to Mr Lim for one it might be worth a shot. Another recommendation for him by the way, I don't have one but some bros do and his work is top notch.
But Hacker, dude, were all those jackets yours? Damn son.