Were you using the correct version of kickstart 3.1 rom image? If for example you were using an A500/2000 or A4000 KS3.1 image it might not have had the PCMICIA support included.

Regarding SKick. Is it possible to disable the softkicker during the boot sequence? Or do you have to disable it in the startup-sequence if you need to revert to the real KS rom?

I've also seen a program on Aminet called Kickcontrol which says it is a GUI for use with softkicksers and provides a menu with different kickstarts (kickfiles). It doesn't say which softkick programs it works with though. I thought this could be very useful for the A600 because I could set it up to be able to select between KS1.3 and 2.05 for older software, or to use the real KS3.1 in the A600.