So how does the cool aid taste.

I can barely remember times of old when a chamois was really chamois leather inside wool shorts, which in combination provided a bit of padding and some moisture control.
Wicking polyester briefs under unpadded shorts on a RANS Comfy Chair seat work much better.

You might try temporarily wrapping your seat top with bubble wrap till healed. I know it's cheesy but it is cheap and actually helps!

No doubt about it. Its time for a recumbent bike or trike!!!!

Anyone that tells me "proper fit" or a good saddle is the answer to butt or crotch pain, probable believes in the phrase "tastes just as good as fresh perked".

If recumbents are so "great", how come I see literally hundreds of standard framed bikes to every bent? Apparently the cycling community is a stupid lot.

No, no, crazy, don't start with pressing the hot buttons. I mean, we might have to get discussing how recumbents aren't necessarily all they're cracked up to be with as many knee issues as on diamond frames if they don't fit properly, the numb butt syndrome, how unpleasant bents are to ride in the wet, and how slow they are uphill.

You are right, but I get tired of the highjacking of posts that aren't really related to bents. The OP wanted to know about cycling shorts, not bicycle types.

Hey! I represent those remarks!
I have personally passed at least one or two people uphill.
(I think that both posters are not entirely correct.)

I am just getting back on the bike after robotic surgery. I am actually finding that the chamois padding is adding to my discomfort. Prior to surgery, my wife and I did a lot of distance riding and we both ride on Brooks saddles. My sit bones rest nicely on the leather saddle and I get no pressure on the peritoneal area except from the padding in the shorts. The padding puts just enough pressure on that area that it causes some discomfort. Not enough to make me get off the bike, but enough that I don't enjoy it. When I changed to shorts with minimal padding, I found it much more comfortable because of the reduced pressure in that area. Since I find the Brooks comfortable enough without padding, I think I am going to start riding in unpadded shorts to see how that goes.

I know this is not the answer for everyone, but it is what is working for me. I hope someone can benefit from my experience.

By the way, I also ride a bent and love it. It is my preferred brevet bike. I have completed two super randoneur series on it. All bikes have their plusses and minuses. I ride what I like and like what I ride.