I have a 03 1500 z71 with 88,000 miles and original brakes and pads and no problems whatsoever, also have a 03 2500hd with 135,000 miles and same thing. the brakes are still at about 85% and all the rotors are still in great shape.no these trucks are not babied. mine I use every week to haul water, and is a dailly driver as is my wifes. they also pull horse trailers, gravity wagons farm equipment, and other broken down cars. There are alot of these trucks here and I have not seen the bad brake design you speak of. My buddies and I have been getting very good service out of the brake design. I have even talked to people that said they have taken their cars and trucks to the dealer or shop because they figured it was about do for them and were surprised that they were still in good shape and plenty of miles left. that said there are cases where people abuse there brakes and I am not saying if you replced them already that you abuse them, they will wear out. I have seen people pulling trailers with no brake controlers and they say it stops just fine then cant figured out why they burn thru brakes or they ride the brake or wait to the last second then really lay on it. these all will destroy brakes quickly.