I think most people would say hydraulic brakes would be the best option. Your friend is right about them splitting etc, but they shouldn't leak for no reason. With the Magura's you can get a variety of pads which work with ground rims, smooth rims and with or without tar. Most people would say a Magura + a ground rim + a set of decent pads would be alot better than a Vee brake but that is there opinion. But a Vee is alot easier to maintain. Personally i would go with a set of Magura's, get a grind on your rim, and buy a set of decent pads.