"Now the one thing I'm concerned about and would like more info on is saddles. I hear rave reviews about Brooks B-17 but looks hard as a rock to me, then I see these el cheapo ads for something that just supports your butt with nothing to put pressure on your testicles...soooo, I need some comments?"
May I suggest the Sella Anatomica saddle. If you don't have the time (a month or two depending on miles) to break in a Brooks this saddle is comf. right out of the box. It is all Leather - and hammocky - saved my touring butt - so to speak
http://www.selleanatomica.com/Product%20Info.htm