i had had a Specialized Body Geometry for 4 years now and find it very comfortable. i bought another 2 years ago for my 2nd mountain bike.

i do not know, but i think there are a lot of non-leather saddles out there. in general most of the cheap ones are not leather, although there are some high-quality synthetics like the Specialized.

as to the politics: i personally am not a vegetarian and think "humane" raising/killing of animals is ok (i am a hunter), but the "industrialized farming" of animals as well as uncontrolled use of chemicals and pollutants and all should be HEAVILY restricted and regulated -- preservation of the earth should come before the quick buck. and i do not think it is right for animals to be raised in small cramped cages and pumped full of drugs just so we can eat more cheaply (food is already incredibly CHEAP in the world which is why most family farmers are not able to make a living)