Second impressions, after about 40 miles:
I still like the SRAM shifters, but not enough to make them a clear first choice. The SRAM brake levers feel big and clunky to me and the shift quality is inconsistent. Sometimes, it's smoother and more positive than Shimano. Other times, it shifts over, then shifts back (both ends). Overall, the SRAM equipment is okay. Not an improvement. Not bad.
The brakes leave something to be desired. The stock Avid pads degraded somewhat on my first ride and this may be most of the problem. As for performance, they didn't so much STOP the bike as reduce its velocity. I ordered a set of Koolstops to see if that helps.
In every other area, I LOVE this bike. Sweet handling. Smooth ride. I've taken it up some serious climbs, but I haven't ridden it down those same slopes, so I don't know about stability issues at the extremes yet. (And, for climbing the area mountains/hills, the 34T chainring was the right choice.)
At this point, I would call it a great investment.