I have several Brooks saddles (two B17's, a Brooks Professional, and a Swift) and a Selle-Anatomica. To me the biggest advantage of a Brooks is that they feel great at the end of a long ride - no better but no worse than when you started.

A Brooks B17 is not a good saddle if you ride in an aerodynamic position; only really works if you're sitting pretty upright.

A Selle-Anatomica is a good option if you want to pursue something in a leather saddle that is *much* easier to get used to.