I'm just a beginner, but I've started to ride on the balls of my feet and I feel that I've got more control in all situations than when I was riding w/ the arch of my foot on the pegs. You've got an additional pivot(your ankle) that helps to absorb impacts instead of just your knee's, and maybe I'm nut's, but I can tell the difference in my legs. As for the brake question, I am still trying to get that one down. It takes more of conscious effort, just like any new undertaking. I suppose the brake thing also depends on what the terrain is, but you should use them in conjunction w/each other. And yes, yes, yes on the last part.:D