Point to point times across London

Why is it false confidence? If you know your bike and its brakes you'll know how fast you can hit a corner and it will be faster than someone with no brakes if the corner is tight enough.

I agree, back with brakes I ride twice as fast as without. Also, the faster you ride the less people try and take liberties with you. Its easier to dominate the road when you are going quicker. As for stopping distances well. I can stop my bike from about 20mph in a few seconds with mt front disc brake and fixed gear combination. Cue ant-disc brake abuse