Edit: I see Harris carries KoolStop pads for Raleigh rod brakes, maybe they will fit this bike.
Also - I've never had a bike with a chain case and rod brakes - is removing the wheels to fix a flat just a nightmare? Would I want to use an Armadillo type tire, thorn liners, and sealant?
Yup. Seasoned rod brake veterans will learn to patch a tube without removing the wheel.
I wouldn't suggest anyone use rod brakes in the rain or in wet conditions. I plan on eventually adding a coaster brake hub to my DL-1 for this reason.