Have installed new front pads(ceramics), rotors machined (@36K miles). Some improvement. Replaced rear shoes and machined drums (@40K miles), car not drivenvery much, perhaps 2 - 3 time weekly. Brakes were also bleed. Got a little better braking action, but not what I remember when vehicle was new. Pedal doesn't feel spongy, but does require more pedal pressure to stop, expecially when make fast stops from higher speeds (40 - 50 mph).

Could it be the fluid, master cylider, or??

If it were your master cylinder, the pedal would start to sink to the floor gradually as you tried to stop. Check your fluid level and see what goes.