Yeah the Corbin seat is lower and wider so it's much more comfortable. Takes the weight off your wrists too and makes you feel like you're part of the bike rather than riding on top of it.
They used to make real carbon fiber tank guards for the SS, one that was just a buckle guard, like this:
eBay Motors: Ducati 900 Supersport - Carbon Fiber Buckle Guard (item 300293269216 end time May-12-09 18:45:16 PDT)
and one that wrapped around and covered the thigh area (sides) too.
Or you could always just get one of those stick-on pads.