TIRE WIDTH

After carefully checking fork width on the Corsa, the widest tire that I'm SURE would fit would be a 700x28cm. Good chance that a 30 would fit, but I'm not gonna buy a pair from Amazon and get them shipped all the way over here only to find out it's a no-go. I guess I could take the bike into an LBS--they would probably have a front wheel with a 32 or a 35 that I could try for fit, but I hate to do that since I'm not going to actually pay their high prices.

My interest in a softer ride has been rekindled by a ride this morning on my favorite low-traffic country road. This road is actually part of Schofield Barracks, and is maintained by the Army. It's blacktop with big gravel mixed in and feels like cobblestones--practically shook the fillings out of my teeth.

THE BIG QUESTION: Would I feel much difference comfort-wise between a 28 at minimum recommended pressure and the 23 at 100psi (min rec) that I have on there now? Opinions, please . . .

ALSO I'D LIKE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS for the best-padded cycling (fingerless) gloves. Gel sounds good. If the product justifies it, there is no ceiling on what I would spend for these gloves, since they would hopefully be usable for the rest of my life, no matter what bike I'm on.

Thanks for your help!