Total baloney. The B-17 has been in production for over a 100 years...and is still the most popular saddle Brooks sells. Must be real junk to have such longevity, eh?

Brooks saddles are great, and their reputation is well-deserved. Like any piece of gear, they aren't suitable for everyone...but most problems with the initial setup are usually user error. I've only used the B-17, and it took me a long time to get my setup right.

To the OP:
-- Try pitching the saddle up slightly, to prevent slipping. You can also buy a Velox saddle-cover from Wallbike...it's rubberized and pretty grippy.

-- Make sure that you've thoroughly treated the saddle with Proofide, top and bottom.

-- Check your saddle-to-bar height. If you're up too high in the saddle, it's gonnna be hard to get comfortable.

-- Don't chop the saddle until you've tinkered with it some more. I've never heard of butchering a B-17 to increase comfort. Running some laces through the skirts can stiffen up the middle of the saddle, possibly helping the 'sliding' problem...but this can also be handled with better setup. (Also, if you eventually decide to sell the saddle, I doubt that many folks will want it if it's cut.)

-- You need to get comfortable with the idea that the saddle isn't going to 'just work.' You'll have to spend some time finessing it, and critiquing your overall riding position, etc. As a quality piece of gear, they take care and attention, but should eventually reward you with a comfortable ride and years of service. Harriscyclery and Wallbike both have some articles on how to set up your saddle. Here's another that I found recently, which seems pretty good.

Keep after it, and be patient.