last night i decided to go for a moonlit walk across my local patch hoping to see the barn owl,i never saw it but walking home through the wet grass my feet got soaked.
It sounds like the Gore-Tex could be split, Stick your hand down where your big toe would be the toe can sometimes rub through.
I wouldn't recomend baby oil on them it will probably block the breathability
which will give you wet feet! try a wax or spray.
Ankle gaiter's are a good idea for walking in wet grass, a full gaiter will give more protection though.
Price wise on new boots I would look to spend about £80-100.
A lined fabric boot should be just as waterproof as a lined leather one, they should both be 100% waterproof. I use fabric boots because they take no breaking in and also breath better, on the down side the uppers are not quite as durable as leather.The Brasher Hillmaster or Scarpa Ranger are good lightweight leather boots or the Scarpa ZG65 a good fabric one.
Jamjam.