If you chop, consider leaving some flaps for punching holes and tying. Tying my brookses made em from saddles into supersaddles. It keeps the middle section stiff so that the back stays flat and your sit bones stay put, right in the two magic dents.

You can get rid of your tabs with a hacksaw and file, no prob. Be sure and touch it up afterwards with black nail polish or something to prevent rust.

FYI I now covet the tabbed Swift. I think a saddlebag on the tabs looks great and is very practical for big distances.