Thank you - I did peruse the saddle threads, I think I'm just rushing and panicking a little b/c my "big" ride is a week from Fri and I'm hoping to find some relief (and re-gain some sensation) before then.

My LBS (hee hee using acronyms) did spend 2+ hours with me when I bought the bike, fitting and making adjustments, and everything else feels pretty good. When I stopped in yesterday, the fitting/saddle guy I needed had just started a new fitting, so someone else helped me choose a new saddle based on the pain I described. He said what I'm hearing here - that squishy may look tempting but is not the way to go. They have a 30-day exchange policy and said to try it and and come back as often as needed until I find the right one.

Great to know a little more about butter usage (didn't want to get carried away and ooze right off the bike, and never would have thought it could go right on chamois) - I think a little will help with the irritation as I get going again.

Tonight I will get out a chair and tape measure, read those threads, and work on finding a longer-term solution! Thanks again as always for the advice.