This is an interesting thread. Over the last six months the Selle Anatomica has changed my cycling more than anything in the last 35 years.
First, I'm a guy. Over the years I've probably tried at least a dozen saddles and have at least ten hanging on the wall in my garage. Six months ago I bit the bullet and tried an SA because they were on sale for $100. They are heavy, not particularly good looking and look a tad out of place on my Look 585. But WOW is it comfortable. I can ride as long and as far as I want and I never even think about my butt, where as in the past saddle pain was always a concern.

Interestingly, it seems that most people who have problems with them tend to be women. It sounds like the cutout is indeed an issue for some ladies and not much of an issue with the guys. The only other thing I'll mention is the nose of the saddle. It is recommended that you ride it with the nose tilted up a bit higher than most of us do with other saddles. It looks a tad dorky and uncomfortable, but it pushes you back on the flat part of the saddle and helps you keep from riding in the middle part...which really is essential. Most of us find that it does take a bit of adjusting over several rides and it really helps if your seat post allows you to make micro-adjustments...like my Thomson post.

The flaring of the sides has happened a bit, but for me hasn't become an issue. But frankly, I don't have large quads or thighs and I think that may be why. I have heard that if the flaring is a big issue that SA will lace it for you if you send it back. Not sure, but that's what I've heard.

Just my .02 but honestly, nothing has made such a positive impact on my riding as this saddle has. It is SOO comfortable.