Lost of folks never get comfy on them, or suffer needlessly for a long time. The OP was not totally happy, but continues to try.

I think too many people follow the Brooks mystique when they would be happier INSTANTLY with something else. I rode Brooks exclusively for 25 years. You could not have taken them away from me with a gun pointed to my head. So I can't argue their comfort on certain bikes under somewhat ideal situations. But given all of the new technology, materials, and medical attention given to saddles over the past 2 decades, lots and lots of people sell themselves short (and suffer needlessly) by forcing the issue on a Brooks because of some pre-conceived notions and charisma of the brand.

Most saddle discomfort is the result of poor bike fit anyway. If you looked at my 6 bikes, all of which I put in long hours upon, you would be shocked to see 6 different saddles. Not a single Brooks yet all of them are lovely to ride. I have a Cinelli road bike that sees rides up to 150 miles per day, a beater road bike for use in my city with bad road surfaces, a cheap beater ATB, a touring bike (Long Haul Trucker), a Pugsley, and a folding bike. I try to match the saddle to the application. And my arse is very forgiving - I seem to find comfort easily. But there have been a few dogs over the years and there have been times when three of the bikes had identical saddles on them.

One place Brooks shines is durability and longevity. Your Brooks WILL NOT FAIL on a 6 month bike tour. One less thing to worry about. Modern saddles are like fine running shoes. You gotta replace them fairly often. But look how far athletic shoe technology has come in the past 50 years. Same for saddles.

Look at what R.A.A.M. competitors ride. Look at what saddles go on the big tours (Tour de France etc) . For saddles and bar tape, it's not just about money and sponsorship. Most long distance pro riders are very particular and ride what THEY want and they know works. Cheaper models of pro saddles are always available and generally just sacrifice some weight savings for $$$.

This post is not directed toward those happy and in love with their Brooks. It's for all of those folks who think they should be, but aren't.