wesmamyke's response about lever feel is the type of thing that I was looking for, so thanks for that. Although, as you say it could be all about the other differences between a flat-bar and drop-bar install that causes this, and may not be due to a difference in the brake itself. Anyone have any experience in a direct comparison with each version on the same type of bars?

I'm not sure about the limitation of the 203mm BB7 only being available in a mountain version, because I know some tandem dealers sell the road version in that size (it's common to use this as an additional or primary brake on the rear wheel for extra heat capacity on long descents), see Precision Tandems. Anyway, I'm only looking for a 160mm front rotor for cyclocross duties.