I find that the salmon pads (and slightly superior Swisstop BXP) improve modulation by increasing grip at all levels of engagement. I don't run black pads of anybody's manufacture on any brake in the stable. For a small-handed person, salmon or BXP are crucial, as I have less lever travel to work with.
I run center pulls on two bikes with nothing-special Tektro something-or-others. Never found them wanting (with salmon pads
