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Those impressed by "grabbiness" will no doubt prefer a sintered pad but I find the gold + pads make it easier for me to gauge and apply more precisely the amount of stopping pressure I need, (control). To lock up your brakes with gold + pads installed, you must apply the necessary force to the lever. They won't just grab and lock up by surprise.
I use the 3 dlls Chinese pads from Ebay. Couldn't tell the difference between those and/or the EBC/Factory ones. They do throw a bunch of brake dust on the wheels.