My front pads are sitting about 30%, time to replace. I know a few have gone to aftermarket (EBC) and have had good results. I've been pretty happy with my stock brake performance...but open to som...
Had them on couple of my Mercedeses and after 80,000 miles still had 80% of pad left. No noise. On Mercedes forum they get 90+ % of votes as they keep the wheels clean v/s black dust from OEM pads. Fact is that did not use them on my trucks yet. Ceramic pads offer cleaner wheels, long lasting for slightly less braking. Good balance IMHO and Akebono found the formula that is not destroying rotors.