I think that whole "below/above the saddle" thing is using the bar/saddle difference as a litmus test for how aggressive a rider you are and extrapolating that into whether you want a narrow or wide saddle. Harris Cyclery has some of those on their product pages, and I think the Brooks site does too. Those rules might work some of the time, but I think the elusive sit bones fit metric through divine inspiration or the Specialized ass-o-meter is the real trick, then adjust for style based on personal preference (sprung, cutout, etc.). On my well worn in B17 special, I can see the sit bone dents and measure there.

As far as break in, I did the Proofide only approach with the B17 and it was OK right away, good within a short distance, and great within a couple hundred K. Much slower and a little less comfy with the Team Pro. I wound up going in for the soak on the Pro. That leather is so darn thick it will probably outlive my grandkids, with a little care.