I've had my Unique since...2002? 2003?; also built from the Deluxe pallet kit. Same brake setup with Wilwood front calipers/cylinders/brake pedals and Jag rear inners. I went to Hawk pads in the front some time ago and found much better brake performance by doing so.
However. The brakes in this car DO require a lot of leg, and always have. I will be following this thread out of curiosity since I've grown accustomed to them, and honestly don't have any issue with them. I have never locked up the brakes - never been able to - but find that the car can be stopped hard enough to stall the (carbureted) motor without much problem. A poor indicator, I agree, but the point is that non-power-assisted brakes are a real oddity in today's world and take some getting used to. The inability to lock up the brakes used to disturb me, but no more - the car can stop faster than my 2011 Infiniti G37S with 19" Yoko's. Which has power assist, anti-skid, and a whole lot of rubber on the ground.
Do get better pads - I'll see if I can find the part # for the Hawks too. They're dusty but that cleans off without too much effort. Do drive the car and be understanding that putting some real force thru the pedal will produce results commensurate with your expectations of a Cobra
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