Hey Bryan,
Can you advise what action are you trying to achieve? Braking down from mainline speeds? Action like the TCS Drive Hold?
I think it's more like an independent brake vs. a train brake.
My layout is mostly switching, and "mainline" speeds are low. I set my accel & decel at 10%. If you then set load to say 20% (dependent on locos - some need more load), I find you can lower the throttle setting and as it's adjusting to your setting, you can use the brake. I generally use it for that last little bit, like during a coupling, or stopping after/before a switch point. I also use manual notching, so I can control the engine sound independently from the actual speed.
Hope that helps!