One of the reasons I passed on the Cannondale Synapse was the disc brakes. The comparably equipped Giant Defy was 2 pounds lighter and, honestly, the "cheap" Tektro calipers felt better on the test ride.
On a side note, I know that Ultegra/Dura Ace brakes are better, but I cannont complain about Tektros. My last Cannondale had them as does the Giant. Even with stock pads they work well enough. I'll cahnge out to Shimano pads this fall. They survived a 500 mile 8 day tour with some rain and plenty of hills. Can't understand the hate.