I remember Click and Clack talking about different kinds of brake pads many years ago. I remember them talking about a taxi operation that used organic brake pads because even though they wore quickly they were quiet and I swore they mentioned they were easier on rotors.
They certainly were quieter than metallic brake pads!
The problem with a disc brake is there is no where as much surface area as on the same diameter drum. Drum brakes get alot of hate, but theres a reason semis and other big trucks still use them.