I split my riding time between a disc-equipped bike, and one with rim brakes (mini-v brakes). For typical road riding, the rim brakes are just fine. For mild off-pavement use, they're also adequate. Where the discs really shine is in wet conditions. I've ridden the disc-equipped bike in torrential rain, and braking was probably 95% as good as in dry conditions. The rim-braked bike? Not so much (even with good wet-weather pads).

Rotors and pads--even "soft" organic pads--are quite durable. I have rotors/pads that have seen many thousands of miles of service, and they're still going strong.