Had you considered using ergonimic grips so your hands can be further forward?
I will be getting round the brake issue by getting V brake braze-ons for my kingpin (kinda late to suggest this after Sybils paint job I know).
You could try swapping out the brake levers with another bike and see if they work, if they work you know to look for another pair the same.
If you're into the whole cowgirl thing why not just lassoo stationary objects when you want to stop?