Today the garage replaced the rear brake pipes which were showing signs of corrosion. Now the brake pedal feels "different". There is more travel than there was and it feels "smoother". I was going to say softer, but it isn't soft, just feels more progressive. The brake pedal doesn't pump up, and the brakes work great. In fact, immediately after the repair was completed, the car sailed through its MOT test.
I wonder if the difference is due to the new brake fluid in the system. The old stuff had been in for at least four and a half years and 45,000 miles. At least.
The mechanic who drives the car must be 7' tall as the seat was fully back. I moved it forward but may move it another notch, see if that makes it feels more like the travel I am used to!