Lets see, I love the Hawk HPS pads for my street thing. They are the only pads I will use in my 911. they work well. As for the pad sensor, you don't need it but as a mechanic and someone who has to follow the rules of please don't sue me, you should use them.
As for it being a tough job, on a scale of 1-10 it ranks around a .5/ Very simple and very DIY friendly if you don't mind getting a little dirty. Make sure to check your rotors, dust seals and anyother thing in the system while you are there.
I am a little overkillish but on my cars a new set of pads means a new set of rotors, and new fluid.
All simple jobs, and an independant shop can handle it. Just make sure the shop has a good per and don't be afraid to ask to talk to the tech. We like customer input and questions. It makes us feel superior.