My life has been insane so apologize for coming to this conversation late.
I have a Rivet Independence on my touring, go everywhere bike. I have a Rivet Pearl on my Surly ECR. Both work very well for me.
The design of the saddle is such that they will never flare and the cut out stays true to it's shape. On rare occasions I have had a little irritation but I think
it had more to do with what I was wearing over the saddle itself. Rivet also has a no cut out saddle, we have one in the shop but I haven't ridden it yet.
Personally, I love the stiffness and obviously don't find them uncomfortable. The independence seems narrower in the nose and is 160 instead of the 170 of the pearl.
I can ride all day, multi days without discomfort. AND Deb Banks is awesome to work with too
Most of us offer a six month return on leather saddles