At the risk of being flamed I will give you my opinion.

Volvo 240 pads are easy to replace so I do not mind having to do it a little more often than I might if it was a big deal. I also keep my Volvos for an extended length of time.

I purchase my pads locally at whatever chain auto parts store I happen to be close to if they give a lifetime guarantee. I purchase the cheapest pads available with the lifetime guarantee. I apply some grease, put them on, run them until they need changing and then go get my free replacements.

I use shims to insure quiet operation but cheap pads are usually quiet anyway.

When I rotate tires I also check the pads and many times will pull the pads, check/clean the calipers to make sure the pistons are not frozen or the pads hung up due to debris.

I don't understand spending additional money on high dollar pads. I get a real giggle out of people spending big bucks on crossdrilled rotors! The car is equipped with four wheel disc brakes, how much brake fade do they think they are going to have to deal with? I would rather spend my money on something that I can enjoy and get a real return on... like a better stereo system, a brake system flush every two years or a low coolant sensor circuit(to name but a few...)

Stepping down from my soapbox, zipping up my asbestos suit...

Randy