I do have experience with VO saddles and, while I am a big fan of VO in general and have bought many of their products, I would not recommend buying one of their saddles. I have a Model 3 (similar to a B17) and a sprung Model 8. Since buying these two saddles I have purchased four Brooks B17's. Needless to say I prefer the Brooks.
http://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...3-touring.html
http://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...e-model-8.html
The biggest problem I have had with the Model 3 is that the frame broke. The failure occurred at the point where the rail attaches to the rear support. This is a simple butt weld on the Model 3. On a Brooks B17 this joint is a mechanical connection, not a weld. While I was successful in getting the failed weld re-welded I regard the design as deficient. I might add that I am not very large at about 160 lbs.
Neither the Model 3 nor the Model 8 is particularly comfortable. I have ridden the Model 3 many miles and it is not much better now than a new B17 right out of the box. I surmise that the reason for this is the layer of material that is bonded to the underside of the leather. I'm not sure the purpose of this material. Perhaps it is there to help maintain shape. In any case a B17 is, for me, more comfortable.
The VO saddles also have a surface texture that the Brooks B17 does not have. I prefer the smooth slick B17.
I'm not saying that the VO saddles are really bad. I just would not buy one to save a few bucks or for style.
Regarding the Brooks B17 in particular, I find that they are generally comfortable right out of the box and then improve with time and miles. For my first one I used mineral oil to help break in but the other three I have done nothing. I find them to be fine without any treatment. I should say it doesn't rain much here in Texas, especially lately.
I buy my B17's from Amazon.com, $90 with free shipping.
One other aside, the VO Model 3 seems to be the same as the Cardiff Cornwall. At least they are very similar.
http://www.cardiffltd.com/cornwall.html