In answer to your questions: -
1 - SBS Grey pads are still installed.
2 - Yes the J Hooking has had an effect, the bite is far better at higher speed and the rears where not smoking after the session unlike at Silverstone with the plain discs.
3 - I miss the normal initial bite that the AP's under normal driving (but not the snatching when they had some heat in them), as I do find the porkers with the SBS grey's have a bit of a lack of bite. That said when they have some heat in them they feel great. The overall stopping power is less but not to the point I feel the porkers aren't more than up to the job.
4 - Taking yesterday as an example braking before quarry in the Golf R compared to mine did feel more flat and controlled so I would say they could be some benefit in the bigger rears but it would depend on the drivers preference. I am going to reserve judgement until my new suspension is installed and then might revisit the rears.
5 - Yes the sessions was 6 laps on average.
But all in all to be able to drive to the circuit, run the car most of the day and then drive on to Stokeballoon's for a top diner and some cider without having to get my hands dirty changing pads/discs, that's a winner for me