mark: my final opinion >> worth the money.
i mean, they were only a couple hundo for the set - so i can't complain. great looks, equal if not slightly better performance than the oem's (but could be due to new pads).
the browning? it seems to be gradually getting less and less noticeable - although still slightly there. i have a feeling it will continue to decrease (*crossing fingers*).
because my garage is down to one vx i find that I'm braking much more often these days, being extra careful/mindful of traffic around me. brakes work just fine and feel really solid - i'm confident.
would i buy them again with the same budget? >> yes.
bart: i'm not a gear head/mechanic - but maybe an adjustment is in order? - or possibly low brake fluid??

... just a thought.
-biju.