[folivier]

Same experience as Johnny with our Foretravel. While the transmission retarder works extremely well, better than a Jake IMO, if you become too dependent on it (which is easy to do) Ft's have the same problem. So as a matter of practice I would do as you do. Apply the brakes when possible to "clean the pads". I never did think it through as you did but among the FT community it's common practice.
You'll have plenty of time to do this once you get in frost heave country!