Of course Brooks recommended against him. If he has a good idea that doesn't include Brooks Proofide, people will follow after him with the cheaper option. Brooks is losing some amount of income I guess.

Though, I'm looking into oil/wax for horseback riding saddles righ now. Did some googling and it turns out that for breaking in the saddle that should be sufficient too. I'm not too keen on the price to pay for Proofide...