I figured my technique has some to do with it, yes.

I've also read good things about Kool Stop pads, both on here and elsewhere. Sheldon Brown's website also speaks highly of them, but I didn't know if that information was still relevant. It appears that it is. I may try them.

My daughter's Raleigh has Tektro brake arms and pads, but they have a different part number, and they seem to be of a different compound. They really seem to bite hard -- they feel like a softer pad compound. I wouldn't expect my pads (from 2015 new install) to be aged so bad that they cease to work correctly anymore, so I have to believe that it's a different rubber formulation.

Thanks, all.