[DMGRS]

Oddly enough I've had similar 'back in the day' on my MG ZS - the solid brakes (being a low spec Diesel) combined with a rather enthusiastic evening drive resulted in almost zero braking.

Turns out the fluid was probably due for a change many years before - after a good flush (and cleaning up the sliders on the front calipers, as they were starting to seize too) she was as good as new.

Changing the fluid regularly is also important as it stops the internal components corroding - if the fluid contains water, it will corrode parts such as the pistons as well as boil at a low temperature.