Something seems to have changed over the years. OK, not just something, a lot of things.
Anyway, I used to ride a ton in the early to mid 90's. Bought several bikes including a Bridgestone, a Bianchi and a custom Klein which I used for touring, plus a CB Zip which I rode actively until this year. I never changed from the stock saddle on any of these bikes. No special orders, just what came on the bike. No discomfort and no pain with any of these saddles!
Fast forward and for me, finding a comfortable saddle recently has been a joke. The only two I'm having mild success with is a B17 and a Specialized Alias. Sometimes I think there is a conspiracy to make seats uncomfortable enough that steady purchases are reaquired to find a suitable saddle. Nothing like a good conspiracy theory!