Bleeding brakes...

[unfazed]

If anything, there is slightly more pedal travel than there was before - I wouldn't be worried about less travel

Some brake cleaner was used... but I wasn't specifically cleaning the discs. I expect that to "burn" off soon enough

If you have more then you need to adjust the handbrake more, press the pedal as hard as possible and with it held operate the handbrake a few times pull it up well. With the handbrake up release the pedal and try again This might put it over the next notch of adjustment and reduce the pedal travel.
After a few 100 miles do it again as the pads will have "settled"

[Dead Eye]

I've never heard of that before - I assumed the handbrake was on its own auto-adjustment. The handbrake itself hasn't been adjusted and operates just as well as it did before, so there's one plus side...

Just went out for a nice evening cruise and the pads are definitely beginning to bed in - brakes are beginning to feel more normal. I'll check out the handbrake adjustment method you've described to see if it makes any difference - the pedal travel has always felt a little different compared to other cars I've driven

[unfazed]

With rear disc brakes the handbrake operates the Caliper piston with a screw type system, which is why you have to wind the piston back on the screw system when replacing the pads, unlike the front where the pistons can be pushed back 

As the pads wear the piston is pushed out and operating the handbrake sets the automatic adjuster to take up the slack

[davidkent]

I bleed my brakes with the engine running... Done several cars on the 2 man method with the engine running, especially if it has ABS etc..

And As above with the handbrake off also...

[RobG UK]

Doh