*click image for full size*

 

Here you can see where the pixels separate. 

And the ruffles do seem to fall down a little. The whole dress and skirt is about top of the ankle length in default pose, but after simulation it drops to top of the foot, so about 3 or 4 inches.

So I guess I'll just continue to use the dress as a conformed object.

Thanks to everyone who offered input and advice :)

"It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never
able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us.
This we can do only if we are not angry with our critics but will take in good
heart whatever they might have to say." - Ghandi