Interesting thread. Would any of the people who are on the “have to have working brakes” side of this consider flying one of the many types with no brakes fitted at all? How about a type, which normally has no brakes, but the particular example you are about to fly has optional brakes fitted but inoperative? Brakes are not a requirement for safe flight, but the lack of them is something to consider before committing to aviation.
Rod1