What you mention above is my experience as well. I've long said that if your braking lacks modulation and power, then you may want to reconsider your equipment and setup choices. Excellent braking IS possible using the "integrated 622mm diameter disc" :-)

I'm also convinced that what most people consider "modulation" is actually light lever force prior to the brakes being engaged. This tends to reduce arm "pump" when doing frequent brake applications (as in a descent)). It was the main thing I observed as different when I switched my MTB from well set up Vs to seperate braking discs. Again, with prudent equipment choices and setup, light lever pull is easily achievable with cable actuated setups. Hydraulics makes it easier (at the expense of complexity) to get this, even with rim calipers.

It's funny...but it seems as if whenever someone mentions some of the performance drawbacks of separate disc systems, they are put down and ridiculed. Not to mention the obvious weight and aerodynamics drawbacks of "un-integrating" the braking "disc" from the rim, I personally have been called "crazy" because I had pointed out that at very low wheel speeds (such as when negotiating a tight switchback...without skidding, that is...on a MTB) that separate braking discs tend to be "grabby", and that I actually preferred the characteristics of rim brakes in that particular situation. The disc proponents I was relating this to refused to acknowledge there could be ANY drawbacks. Mind boggling...especially considering that when I asked the best MTB bike handler I know about this, he agreed with me.

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