regarding the brakes, I found that triple compound pads are superb; I went from std pads on the dahon to the triple compound and it does brake so much that is surprised me a little on the first test.
Other thing to look at is the cable setup up, avoid tight housing bend and make sure the housing are good quality. My rear are tighter than the front because it has several bends and road shifter lever with less mechanical advantage (not an issue but noticeable).
As I mention mechanical advantage, you could look a "kids levers" too. My daughter rides a Frog with kids lever that have a slightly greater mechanical advantage so that she can apply the required fore to the brake pad but with the force of a young children... I was impressed with that to the point that I will fit a set of lever on my wife bike.


And, yes brompton is best but expensive (initial purchase & maintenance) compared to Dahon. If you can find a dahon curve SL with derailler (not a rear hub). These are not bad to fold, 16" wheels (can put kojak tyres for rolling), fitted with classic MTB transmission.