One thing I noticed is the re-issued Concor and Rolls saddles that have perforations seem to have their hole spacing (and maybe size) a bit different from what they had on leather saddle covrs from the 80's.
The new ones don't seem to have the hole patterns affected by the contours of the saddles as much as they DD in the 80's which IMO, was quite a nice effect. The new saddles have their perforation seemingly maintaining their spacing with hardly any stretch to the leather.
Is it because of lesser holes per square inch now than before, or smaller holes or stiffer leather?
I know it's a bit picky aesthtics-wise, but I can definitely notice it...... new ones just seem to have an "artificial" look to them.......
As for whether the perforation serves a purpose other than looks, honestly I never felt the difference If there's a difference in grip, it must be too small for me to notice at all when I switch between my bikes with the perforated Turbo saddle and the ones with smooth leather covers.....
Now if you get the reissued Concor Supercorsa with the suede leather cover on it like I did, you will have one of the grippiest saddles you can find out there as the nap on the suede is coarser than most other saddles I have encountered through the years. The Concor Supercorsa from the 80's had a much nicer suede finish on their leather covers. I remember it being so fine that it felt more like velvet tan suede......that is while it lasted for about half a season of riding, then the cover wears down to feel more like smooth leather.....