Stopping excessive brake wear

For the people complaining about excessive brake-pad wear, I'd suggest they learn to use their engine and gearbox to slow down instead of riding their brakes down hills. Am I the only one who does? All I see is a conga line in front, all lit up like a Christmas tree. Also, if the traffic lights ahead are red, what is the sense of accelerating up to them and then jamming on the brakes at the last moment? I see it all the time.