letting stuff dry out really helps with the smell. not allowing it to dry creates a big stink...
when I first got shorts, I'd wear them 2 days, 4 trips of about 8-12 miles each, so that i could make them go.
now I have enough for each day of the week. I keep to one a day. occassionally if i come home and need to leave in an hour or so, i'll change, but that's only because i've had issues with the jock itch stuff, and walking around long term in wet chamois isn't always the best. no issues if i let it dry out though.
i never needed the creams, but as i lost mass, i am having issues. my theories are either I can't find a good fitting short, or my saddle no longer fits.... even so, I only use it on long trips of over 60 miles.