I've read a description of rudder pedals that apply brake as they approach their limits which sounds a more sensible option to me, except it's not then clear how you apply brakes to both wheels to run up the engine.
This is the case in a Rollason Condor. There is a handbrake which applies pressure to both wheels as well as differential braking with full pedal travel. Give me a few hours and I will try to find a diagram in the aircraft handbook for you.