Here is my two cents, coming from a racing background. I do not like progressive brake pads, i.e. ones that become stronger in bite as they build heat through the braking zone or offer stronger response as the speed is bled off in the braking zone. I like a nice even initial bite and an even, linear response throughout the braking zone right to my brakes off marker. It makes trail-braking to adjust the bikes geometry for turn in and mid-corner a much easier task to manage, easier to manage equates to more brain power to use on other important tasks. Linear pads also make riding or racing in the rain much safer, and make panic situations safer as you are less likely to lock the front inadvertently. I haven't owned, raced or ridden a bike since 1983 that I couldn't get the rear wheel off the ground, and carry that air for 20-30' utilizing a linear style pad. Once the rear is off the ground ultimate braking power is only reliant on front tire grip, fork compliance to the roads imperfections, talent and that talent's access to a predictable linear feel to provide precise lever modulation and that is what gets the job done... Your mileage may vary, I was about winning races, championships and making sure the bike came back to the pits in one piece, my success varied, but my brakes never did. I' also not a fan of really long lasting brake pads. Braking comes to fruition in only two ways, your pads wear or your rotors wear... I would rather change pads, faster, easier, cheaper... Also hard pads make the job of deglazing the discs via mechanical/chemical means very, very difficult as the hard pads embed material into the hot disc that is hard to remove. Deglazing is something that should happen every time you change pads and/or pad compound or brand. I also do not like pads that take more than 3 miles to fully bed in, they waste time at the track and are dangerous on the street, 3 miles full braking power...