I've seen several posts here complaining about the lack of engine braking in the FEH. But I haven't seen anyone document fade or failure problems from overheated disks. From my experience driving off-road, the brakes are really good. Yes, it's uncomfortable to have to learn to rely on them when you're used to gearing down, but you'd really have to push a FEH hard to fade the brakes.
Besides, brake pads/discs are a lot cheaper and easier to replace than transmissions!