To each their own. I don't find Brooks or any similar type saddles comfortable at all. Some people do. I do agree with your sentiments on you shouldn't sacrifice comfort for looks. I had a friend who almost was going to give up on cycling because his back was bad and drops were killing him and he refused to roll with mustache bars. Eventually he gave them a try, now he doesn't shut up about them and can do a 200 mile ride and still go to Disneyland the next day.