I think there's definitely some pro-Brooks saddle hype simply because they cost $ and people want to sometimes justify it as a wise purchase.

I love my b67 -- and I've ridden tons of regular saddles, none of which was as comfortable as the b67. However, I hated the b17 and would have tried to find a "regular saddle replacement" for it if it were not for the b67.

Ride what you like --