Most average riders, I'm not talking racers, want the fastest-quickest bike they can make or buy. They will hop on a bike and take off like a bat out of hell. The first time they check the brakes is when they need them. That can be "to late" in a critical situation, on a trail with a cliff, shear drop off in the dunes..........
When I take off on a bike the first thing I check is how well the brakes work.
When changing pads I always flush the system with new fluid. I change my fluid at the least once a year. Also, keep your opened bottle of brake fluid inside your house where it's climate controlled. When I get done using it I cut a piece of baggie and put over the top of the bottle then put the cap on. Brake fluid attracts moisture, that's detrimental to your brake system. I buy the bottle that fits the job I'm doing. In other words don't buy the big bottle because it's a better buy as far as ounces to dollars. Buy the small bottle so you don't have it sitting around forever, absorbing moisture.