anybody overhauled their own brakes? IE replace seals clean & lubricate etc is there any pitfalls? or is it just a pain in the arse?

Have done them on my motorbike which are like any front caliper on most cars,

As for the Stilo I would consider doing the front ones but the rear ones, I opted for recon calipers seems too much hassle with the handbrake bits n bobs to get sorted and I think there is some wizardry in removing piston in the rear ones, am sure some have tried not sure on success..on the front just make sure you pump the piston out first if you thinking of taking the caliper off to put new seals in on a workbench and seal the hose so it not spew fluid everywhere until you can re-fit caliper.
ooh and remember to change dust seal at same time as more than likely it be either wrecked when you start or mushed when taking it out, and only use clean brake fluid to lubricate the piston and new seal to help re-fitting the piston back in caliper