I have 3 Brooks 17 saddles. They were all purchased slightly used - on eBay I think. For ME they are all great, even though I had to break them in for my own body. Lucky me! They all work for me.

Like a Rolls Royce, a Kia, or any other car, nothing fits everyone. The Brooks is no panacea. I smiled about the OP's experience and remembered a colleague (male) with similar bad experiences with his (male) parts. I am sorry when something purchased in good faith and with ordinary expectations (ie not at all unreasonable) have BAD experiences . C'est la vie et c'est la guerre - and thanks that there is eBay