One of the things, it strikes me, that is not being given enough weight in this discussion is aesthetics. The beauty of a leather saddle as it ages and gains its rich patina is an unparalleled experience. There is another sensuous aspect as well--the smell, as the gentle rays of the sun and the rider's own body serve to warm up the saddle so that it releases its lovely aroma into the air. I grew up around horses and saddles. I've always loved these aspects of things crafted of leather. Carbon fiber, plastics, are sterile by comparison (not saying, of course, that in their own way they cannot be attractive--at least to the eye).
Oh, I can't wait for our glib, local wags to weigh in on this one. You know who they are!
