Covert, good stuff! What tires did you go with for 235/55R17? We have been running the same size for a year now. I think it's a balanced comfort/cruising/handling tire size option for our gen Outback.
Funny, we finally swapped out the brakes I've been hoarding over the past 2 years. A bit different route than you, but I went ahead and used:
-larger 3.6R/GT/2015+WRX rotors/calipers on front (old 11.6" -> 12.4")
-hair larger but ventilated 3.6R/GT/2013+BRZ rotors/calipers on rear (old 11.3" -> 11.4")
OEM pads all around, but on some DBA front and KNS 4K rear rotors.
Everything fit perfectly, and makes good use of the 235 width tire on moderate/hard braking. Too soon to tell its effect on my MPG's.
People like us like to find a reason to 'fix' the car, probably because it seems there's always room for improvement!
Sounds like more tuning is next on your to-do list..