a properly set up brooks shouldn't make you numb - certainly not in my experience and the experience of friends who ride them.
have you ridden a brooks, you say you won't ride one - but have you tried (not clear by your post if you have tried?)
what is your saddle to bar drop?
are you reaching too far forward?
how is your fore aft position on the bike - is your weight distributed ok?
have you looked at the selle anatomica?
__________________
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.