Actually, if you have a new saddle, treat it with proofhide (using gentle heat, like from a hairdryer set on low), and do this 3 or 4 times before mounting it on your bike, it will be quite comfortable. an old, used, dried-out saddle (like my 35 year old B72, off a long-dead Rugde) will require more drastic measures. I used Lexol on the underside, and let it soak in. When even that didn't soften it enuf, i got some Neatsfoot Oil, and treated the underside, letting it soak in around the metal bits, and keeping the saddle upside-down while doing this. Now, this old saddle which the previous owner gave up on, and sold for $20, is very comfortable.
Oh, BTW, I also own a B17 narrow, a B66, and a Team Professional. All have different surfaces, and all are comfortable (although the B17 narrow is much too skinny for long rides).
Bash them all you want, but us Brooks owners know that you are secretly envious of us. I'm not even considering anything other than a Brooks Team Pro on my next bike.