Every time I succumb to that mindset, I stall the truck. I don't know if that indicates some problem or peculiarity with my old beater, or if you just happen to be wrong. 
Yeah, I wouldn't say "almost stalls" unless you're trying to get started on a very slippery surface. Of course, neither do you want to rev the engine way up and slip the clutch a lot. It's really quite simple - sorta like walking, or eating soup without spilling it down your front. One of those rite of passage things on the way to becoming an adult.
Something has to be wearing for the pads to have lasted this long. It's not as if it doesn't stop. Doesn't matter. It's getting pads and rotors this Spring. I have the parts, just waiting for time.
I had the rear drum brakes done this Fall. The drums were getting thin, as were the pads. It failed inspection because there was such a lip caused by wear they couldn't get the drum off for inspection. I took it home and got it removed and saw I had a largish ridge at the edge of the drum and the shoes were less than 1/8" thick and cracked. New drums and shoes and I'm all good for the rear.
Hmmm, well that's sort of a false economy - the pads so hard that they wear out the drums and rotors
Normally, the drums and/or rotors don't get worn badly unless you run the pads/shoes down to the rivets. And even then you can usually have them turned once or twice.
But what do I know about Jap vehicles ?
