i have no input, but it is a relevant thread for me, as i think about how to set up a trekking bike. i am a mtn biker so would prefer hydros. touring convention frowns upon this due to reliability concerns, but.... when do they ever really fail? i've never had my hydros fail, nor have i heard of such a thing happening....
likewise, i've never had road bike STI brifters have never fail and don't know anyone who has, another no-no... [shrug]