Thanks for the advice. My concern isn't looks but just making sure the leather is treated and doesn't dry out. As I said it's fairly new (since march) so I ordered a new proofhide since I lost my old one and could probably afford another treatment or two to help finish the break-in.
Funny thing about the longevity of these saddles... was in the country at my brother-in-law's surveying his garden from the deck. I noticed an antique bike out of service, exposed to the elements, leaning against a fence near the back of the property. Had to check it out... the mechanics of the brakes everything about it seemend very, very old. And sure enough, worn but usable with a little tlc was a brooks saddle.