Well, Red Ron was pretty close on the linked brake/piston activation.
"For the uninitiated a quick explanation of LBS. A second master cylinder and a three-stage proportional control valve (PCV) to couple the three-piston calipers of the dual-front and single-rear brake discs.
Using the front brake lever activates the outer two pistons of the front right-side caliper and the centre piston of the front left-side caliper and, acting through the secondary master cylinder and an inline proportioning valve, the outer two pistons of the rear caliper.
The rear brake pedal operates the centre piston of the rear brake caliper, the centre piston of the front right-side brake caliper and the outer two pistons of the front left-side caliper. A delay valve sensitive to the rider's pedal pressure smoothes front brake engagement." ...MCNEWS
Couldn't have said it better meself

As to Ref's lack of 'whoa power', I'd have to agree with the cleaning idea, but not sure how you'd get the residue off the brake surfaces so that the wheels and tires didn't get some of that wonderful but nasty Brakleen on them. Use caution and lots of rags/towls during cleanup and test the brakes in a very secure closed area before venturing out into traffic. On another note, replacing pades isn't one of the more expensive jobs to have done in a shop by a trained tech
