I'm a big fan of Kool Stop pads. I've been using a gear tracker since I put the most recent set on my Cross Check. At about 1200 miles they're about half way to the bottom of the wear indicator. I paid $12 for them, so that puts them at a bout 1 cent per mile right now, and still going. So, yeah, they might wear out faster than other pads, but it's still a cheap part and it's much better than having your rim wear out.

I haven't had much problem with squeling. I experienced it for the first time recently when I put a V-brake on my Cross Check, but I think I've fixed it by adjusting the toe-in.