Hi Guys Paul here, now I work in a bike shop which is more like a co-op, now something that really gets my boss a bit upset is bike shops saying stuff like "Just replace it".
We keep using stuff for as long as possible, so there are a few things to try with your existing set up. Before you even try new pads I would first File the pads until you reach fresh rubber, also making sure there is enough rubber to keep using the pads.

Remove straddle cable, and then re adjust the pads as high on the rim as possible with out fowling tyre (with a rubberband or thinner cable tie placed between the back of the pad and rim to acheive 1-1.5mm worth of toe in if pads are squealing) it is paramount that from the front or the rear of the bike the pads look level with each other, as high as possible and level will bring out the best in your canti's on road. I am by no means an expert . . I just love canti's!

I think if you can get a better result out of your bike while spending money that has to be a good thing.

I also think a lot of people think canti's are bad brakes . . . they are not bad brakes normally they just are set up wrong.

If you do go the Tektro route I would personally go for their RL340 levers too.

Give the cantis a chance. V Brakes can be very noisey in the wet.