OK. I owe all y'all (my favorite NC expression) a review of the new pads. EBC FA244HH, as recommended by others here.
Let me say that different pads are probably the best sub $100 you will make in this bike. I can't think of anything that will cost so little and make such a difference.
Rode a 80 mile loop early this morning, with the roads relatively empty. I had a chance to test the brakes on my usual route, as well as practice some spirited emergency braking exercises from (up to) 70 to 30 mph.
1. Initial bite, which is completely missing from the stockers, is strong and manageable.
2. Brake feel is very consistent, from initial bite to complete stop. Very easy to modulate and helps with trail braking.
3. Lever effort and lever travel to achieve desirable stopping power are significantly reduced(!) Made me go back to two fingers on the lever, immediately.
4. Prior to changing the pads, I thought I might have to bleed the system due to front end mushiness but it seems that it had more to do with the brake feel and lever force and travel that I needed to apply in order to make the bike stop. The pads changed that completely.
Any doubt I had regarding the front braking system components (M/C, lines, calipers and discs) is gone, now that the feeling I was looking for is there. I completely understand that M/C, caliper or disk replacement will result in more/better braking, but I am not sure it is necessary for my street riding. Track experience might prove different.
Of course, there are other pads out there (SBS, Galfer, EBC EPFA, etc.). The stopping power and feel offered by the EBC FA244HH is perfect for my street riding and desirable brake feel.
I would encourage anyone who does not like the original braking feel and performance of the 790 to (at least) start with pad replacement. It might be enough to get it where it needs to be without spending hundreds (of your favorite currency), if not more, on more elaborate and engaged system changes.