You get what you pay for, if you remember that when you're on track you'll be fine. DS2500s have been great for me, only time I've had a problem was when I pushed them a bit too hard at Oulton (on reflection I was braking very late and did a couple more laps than I should have). As long as you do 15-20 minute stints and let them cool, they won't let you down.
Spot on Adam!
I suggested the M1144 as they are designed as a "fast road" pad. They are a similar price to greenstuff pads (that the OP has asked about in a recent thread) and imo are a good suggestion for the OP use, ie 99% road and 1% track use.
They are the same compound in all the M1144 shapes, my bet is that as Mark Cup has done a lot of track days and from his videos i've seen, he will not be on the brakes as much as some.
The Ferodo DS2500 will take the track work more but i didn't suggest them as they are twice the budget that i think the OP is looking to spend. I like these a lot and really rate them on the Clio 172/182.
The recent thread about them falling to bits are more than likely due to people not adhering to Adam's post above. Ie inadequate cooling to brakes and not allowing them to cool down/doing too many laps on them. For a full on track car you want to be looking at the DS3000. Again not what the OP was asking about...