Hydraulic disk brakes - no rim brake can compete in terms of power, control, feel, wet performance, longevity, rim wear, looks* or maintenance.
The only area where competition is possible, is the issue of repairing them in a desolate place.
Though based on how often I frequent somewhere like that... never... I think I'll take the risk!
The sooner manufacturers wake up and smell Canyon's coffee (at the start of 2009 according to the nice man from Canyon) and fit road specific disks to road bikes, the sooner rim-wear can be consigned to the bin.
*Okay, maybe this one is a little more subjective