Sorry for the length...
Now... "the enough power to lock up the tires" bit... I used to believe this too.
I'll equate this to mtn bikes... where I am a very competent rider, and ride at the edge. Not bragging, stating a fact.
Back in the cantilever days, we could lock the tire up just fine, and disk brakes came out, I though pfff... whatever. Then I bought a DH bike with the biggest baddest brakes on the planet. Well, I could still lock up the brakes, but I could threshold brake with such greater ability. Stopping became fierce. I now run a 6.5" bike with even more badassed brakes, same size as the DH bike had. My buddy runs a 6" bike with badassed brakes, but in 6" flavor (mine are 8"). I can lock those up too, real easy, but I can threshold brake better with the larger brake... harder braking with more control.
So, even back in the days of 4 wheel drums you could lock the wheels up, but the bigger more efficient brakes allows you to sneak up on and hold that "threshold" point with so much more control... modulation.
Having said all that, and knowing that larger brakes will decrease your breaking distance because they allow more control at the threshold, allowing you to hang onto that last bit of braking traction, I will say this... I'm going to go ahead an "assume" that if simple old me is able to better brake at the threshold with larger brakes, then so to a computer/ABS programed to do nothing but brake.
So, a panic situation is just that, lets assume you are a careful driver (I am) and leave lots of room, always have an out planed, and watch your mirrors to know exactly where everyone on the road is... I do this... but in a panic, or unforeseen event, none of that matters. Are big brakes going to help you?
I'm going to say no, because your reaction time will be great enough that often times in panic situations you do not get to the break, or are way to late to the brake to have any positive effect. In these situations you driver training, decision making and vehicle control are going to benefit you in a more positive way.
So, big brakes, are they better? Absolutely?
Are they required? Only you can decide.
I have a heavy 2dr on 35's, I've had a couple situations (Phoenix AZ yahoo's) that scared me, and yet the braking is far better than any Jeep or truck I have owned previously. I must say that in one situation it was actually the stability control probably saved my life. Still cannot believe I did not go into a skid at 70mph... and F1 brakes would have been of no benefit in that situation... by the time my foot was getting to the brake it was already time for evasive action.
Off road I hate hate hate ABS and stability control... on road I'll take it thank you.
Big brakes, "I" do not feel the need for them just yet. Maybe when I go to 37's and bead locks... maybe if I towed... maybe if I had a heavy 4dr... maybe if I carried every toll I ownn, and enough spare parts to fix absolutely anything and everything on the trail... maybe if I was a pre-runner type...
But for a cautious/responsible daily driver... I see no need for "my" use.