I recently tried BB7's for the first time and was VERY impressed.
Super simple to set up and worked sharply out of the box.
Also they are cheaper than almost every hydro option.
Its already been established that im one of the heaviest riders here, and for serious off roading i use Avid Elixir's.
Having previously had brakes fade on me on steep downhill's to the point of complete brake power loss (very hairy)...I wont except anything less than the Elixirs.
Every time I use them to slow down from high speed they astonish me, and all using one or two fingers.
Personally ive always found Hope brakes fiddly and maintainance hungry.
Ive also had good results from XTR.
I dont think you can be disappointed with BB7's, and ill be using them frequently from now on.
However, I also love the modulation and 'feel' that a hydro lever gives, no cable lever can match that.
Also, BB7's only actuate one piston, essentially using one pad to push/bend the rotor onto the other pad. Whereas hydro's use two (or more) pistons each pushing a pad onto the rotor... I feel this method adds power and modulation by coming into contact with the rotor perfectly square.
I was disappointed when I first realised this with the BB7's, but when i first dialled them in (simplicity itself), I was no longer worried.
Worst thing about BB7's is they are fairly heavy.