Just a little update on this topic-

I decided to provided some feedback on these shorts, via the manufacturer's website. I ended up having 3 or 4 emails back and forth to someone in the company (possibly the president of the company- I'm not sure). I emailed him photos of the chamois stitching and edge, as well as comparison shot with a another pair of shorts (Giordana).

He said that chamois butter and some time to break them in might help. I pointed out that none of my other shorts needed this.

His comments suggested they are trying to keep the shorts affordable. He asked if I would be willing to share how much I had paid for the other shorts that didn't have a problem. So I sent him the full list: Performance, Shebeest, Giordana, etc, with the list prices and approx purchase prices. Basically, I have tried to keep the price under $80 but have gotten some good discounts here and there.

Anyway- he thanked me several times for the feedback.
BTW- although several people have also found these shorts unwearable, my DH wore them for 92 miles last weekend and did not have any problem whatsoever. But he has an iron b*tt I think, and maybe the men's is different than the women's for some reason.