I think this is a place where the testimony is overwhelming and lots of evidence to suggest a good set is worth it, it mirrors what we have seen too. That and the addition the addition of 6 and 10R vise grips which on rusty brake work is a good place to start,, skip right over the other steps..
As for flat rate I cant think of much that major investment would help. Biggest thing is to do it right first,,, its my downfall, takes me twice to get a lot of things right especially when its a first.