  Using the largest data set available, we determine the best values that the
data at t=0 (total cross sections and real parts of the hadronic amplitudes)
give for the intercepts and couplings of the soft pomeron and of the rho/omega
and a/f trajectories. We show that these data cannot discriminate between a
simple-pole fit and asymptotic log square s and log s fits, and hence are not
sufficient to reveal the ultimate nature of the pomeron. However, we evaluate
the existing evidence (factorization, universality, quark counting) favouring
the simple-pole hypothesis. We also examine the range of validity in energy of
the fits, and show that one cannot rely on such fits in the region sqrt(s)<9
GeV. We also establish bounds on the odderon and the hard pomeron.
