Thanks, I've actually been using them a little bit more, and the comfort is improving, to my great happiness. Hopefully I'll be able to keep them after all. And I agree, even if this headphone does end up being comfortable enough to use, it'll probably be a 3 star rating at maximum.
Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
I see these reviews of pretty uncomfortable on-ear headphones getting 5 stars for comfort and I'm shaking my head.
When I ask why they put 5 stars for comfort it seems they simply put that score because they like the headphones and in some effort to help the headphone along put that score or simply not having much experience with proper comfortable open over-ear alternatives to know what 5 stars feel like. People should try out a well used HD-555 before putting these 5 stars!
However pads do break in and become more comfortable over time and peoples sensitivity to on-ears vary. *disclaimer