I still have a couple of years to go to reach that number of years, and doing roughly 3000km/year commuting. So I guess we just look at it differently then; I also ride bmx/dirt jumping, less in the last years because it can be quite harsh on the body, might be that it teaches you more control over a bike in general. Ragarding the brakes: there are types which can bring you to a sudden halt if needed, but with a lever that still has lots of travel to allow for fine modulation. Usually the more expensive disc/rim brakes with oil instead of a steel cable are fine. Though I agree that if it's your instinctive reflex to completely squeeze the lever in a perilous situation it's either all or nothing. Regarding ice: completely agree, even with proper equipment it's a struggle. And probably does lead to more falls then walking.