he makes a good point. cheap brakes work well but shimano 105 and up or campag stoppers are going to be a lot snapper (they have less flex) it is also normally easier to adjust the proper toe in in a higher end brake.

i'm glad you said that about the paul lever. i wanted one but couldn't justify it so i got a set of can creek cross levers (only use one) but it works great and i can switch bars easily.