Hatterasguy, watch out for days like this! the planets tell you you should have ordered from Phil on Fastlane or something
There are lots of road schmuks out there, everywhere esp where you least expect them!
pawoSD, the biggest factor in brakes that give rise to differences in the way they feel and act is the type of pad material used. OE pads are soft and should give some quick "grab" and short stopping with minimal pedal pressure, compared to Pagid or the PBR deluxe pads. ATE I can't remember but I believe are similar to OE but a little harder and last a bit longer.
I doubt that fluid has any factor unless of course there is air in the lines, then the pedal will feel spongy. The other thing you may want to check are the flex hoses at the calipers, these can have loose material in them that partially block return fluid and they also expand when under pressure, some believe braided steel hoses provide "tighter feeling" braking but I have them on two cars and can't feel any significant difference between them and OE hoses.