Yeah - when I tried it without the soaking and steaming, it was pretty hard. Yesterday I nuked it for 8 minutes instead of 10, because the microwave was a bit higher power than the 500watt one assumed in the instructions, and that wasn't quite long enough. Next time I'll do it the full 10. I also had very old rice, which may have needed longer soaking or a little bit more water.

ETA: I also meant to say that I think I can get some rice packets like the ones you talk about here, but they're long-grain rice and I prefer short-grain rice.