Each to his own opinion Velognome, but the cost difference to buy a new Brooks could be around £100, for something the OP isn't sure he actually wants. However, Spa Cycles of Harrogate (near the OP's location) will sell him their brand new 'Nidd' leather saddle for £45, which might be a safer/better option for him............ just a thought. These are a really nicely finished item, popular with touring cyclists.

I've never had any problems with used saddles, though I was once worried by a Wrights W3N that was horribly ridged and creased on one side. With nothing to lose, - 24 hours in a bucket of water, re-shaped over a piece of tubing with wood packing and cable tied up, then days of drying - it's as good as new. Then again, I used straight beeswax, not Proofide to dress it - so it sealed and polished the surface but didn't soften (potentially weaken?) the hide. YMMV.