OP, some strange replies here but I ride a B-17 on my hard tail MTB. I've changed the bike over the years and have added a riser so that, like you, my bars are just a bit above the saddle. I don't like mud so I avoid it and I don't ride in the rain or through wet stuff. My saddle is fine and I find Brooks to be very comfortable for the amount of riding I do. When I was in college a few decades back I had a Brooks on my road bike and liked it just fine then too. Never tried the sprung version so can't comment there.

FWIW, I replaced a WTB Speed V saddle that I never liked and was never comfortable for me.

The thing about Brooks saddles is that you love 'em or hate 'em. Wall Bikes has a pretty good policy where if the saddle doesn't work for you, you can send it back (will cost you a few bucks though).