The problem with gel seats is that the gel trends to get pushed aside and you can wind up with an uncomfortable rump anyway.

Any modern racing saddle is designed to be used with padded cycling pants so you can't expect to ride more than a half hour without them.

Leather saddles like the Brooks are designed to support your rump and can be used quite happily without padding - I've done 5 hours in the saddle wearing jogging shorts on my Brooks without problems but there's nothing wrong with using padding on long rides. Mind you, not all Brooks models are the same shape and not all rumps get on well with them so you're in the same boat as you are with the more modern saddles.

Unfortunately, it's suck it and see ... which is why a lot of riders find themselves sticking with one saddle