Opinions welcome

Well adjusted drum brakes will stop a car just fiine. Drum brakes aren't as good at managing and dispersing heat as disc brakes so their weakness is in repeat performances. They also don't work as well in wet conditions and require more frequent adjustment. Things I'm sure you have considered, but there is no reason drums won't work fine for your application. Just limit your max effort 60 to zero stop to one and then provide a cooling period.