[RC-Monster Mike]

Most of the failures were counter to what my "best practices" suggest - the units tended to fail when using Zippy packs(marginal) on 6s(beyond my 5s suggestion) and likely with the stock brake settings(beginners tend to plug and play, and the stock brake settings are waaaay too strong).

1)Front/rear bias is indeed a potential advantage, but a properly set up vehicle can minimize or negate this perceived benefit - particularly in light of the extra weight and complexity involved with mechanical brakes that offsets the potential advantage
2)ESC braking can add power back to the battery - as long as you aren't pushing the system to the ragged edge, the "strain" isn't so strenuous
3)ESC brakes are free and don't wear out.

In the end, it is a personal choice. Many folks think they NEED the mechanical brakes, and they very well may need them in the absence of a properly set up vehicle. There really is no right or wrong - just pros and cons of each strategy. :)