Absolutely fair enough, and the change to a v type and levers that will work properly, if he feels the need and is sure the bike fits him well and is in good shape, is a relatively inexpensive change, but still requires more than new pads.
It is rare to hit long steep downhills, and if you keep things in control on most hills, it works out.
Have you toured Joel?
The advantage of Mini V-brakes is that they use the same levers as cantilevers. I wouldn't have suggested the upgrade if it required levers. Cantilevers and Mini V-brakes are "Standard Pull" 7mm, in regard to cable travel. Long pull levers 15mm are used with standard V-brakes. Thus mini v-brakes have about half the advantage of V-brakes.
Cable Lever and Brake Compatibility
I only do a occasional 4-day trip. I Mostly just road ride 40-70 miles, 160 miles/wk, And an occasional 100 miler on my own, just to say I did it.