Better Brakes
 

After helping my father flush his braking system of the old dirty fluid with nice new fluid to accompany all new shoes and pads on all four corners, I've noticed my brakes aren't nearly as firm. It's not like a sponge, and I hesitate to say my pedal is 'sinking', because it doesn't feel like I'm losing pressure.
They bring my Ranger to a nice halt every time without fail, but there's a moment during the pedal's swing where it feels like it's doing very little if anything at all.
I'd like to upgrade my braking system, but so far I can't justify much as my rotors and calipers are less than a year old. Can't complain.
So, what are a couple things I can do to firm up my brake pedal? Perhaps steel braided brake lines?
Also, it is worth noting that my brake fluid was changed around the same time as my rotors, calipers, pads, shoes, and cylinders.

stainless steel brake hoses are the only way to go

Engine off
Pump brake pedal a few times, should be easy first 2 or 3 times then get harder to push
This is checking if Power Booster is holding vacuum, they are designed to give driver 2 or 3 "power assist" brake pedal pushes if engine should stall while driving.

Now push on brake pedal and start engine, you should feel the power assist as soon as engine starts, brake pedal should go down more.


Yes you could have flexible brake hoses that are expanding slightly when pressure is applied, this can delay pressure getting to calipers.
That "gap" you describe.
But that can also be out of adjustment pads or shoes.
Brake pressure is hydraulic, one reason they use this is that it should apply equal pressure to opposite wheels, if one side is not as "expanded" as the other or pad or shoe is not as close to rotor or drum, then that wheel will take extra fluid until pressure is equal and brakes are applied.