I've switched from mechanical discs to hydraulics (Shimano SLX), and the maintenance is actually less. The brakes are self-adjusting for wear, so the only maintenance is replacing pads, which requires about 5 minutes per brake. The newer rotors with a spider, either centerlock or 6-bolt, are less prone to warping. I recently installed a set of Shimano Ice rotors, and only one needed slight truing. The other was perfect right out of the box. Heat dissipation is also improved with the latest disc brakes and rotors. Stopping power in all conditions and no rim wear are the main upsides.