To be honest i think it will just take time for the pads, They are good brakes, definitely worth it, what i did after i cleaned my Alex rims i rode for a while with the brakes slightly on so the rubbed while i was riding. Dunno if itll help. Dont really know about pedal kicking and as for grips, fatter ones will give you more grip, but thinner ones wont make your hands as sore I personally think trying some inbetween are quite good