Can't help you on the husband issue; mine got terrible saddle sores on his first ride when he got his Giant, and he has a collection of about a dozen discarded saddles (not including the ones he's given away), so he understands. Although he hates Brooks saddles and doesn't believe that I really like them.

But my sit bones are also about 4.5 inches apart. I should probably try some men's saddles. (The B-67 works great for me, but I use it on a very upright bike -- I don't think it would work on a road bike.)