Brioche Stitch

I have narrowed down my choice to the Lettuce Coat or the Vine Yoke Cardigan. My final decision will be based on how "angora-ey" the yarn looks when I knit a swatch. My gut is telling me the yarn type and even color would be better for the cardigan but I have had my eye on the "coat" for some time.

Have either of you ever done the Brioche Stitch? Many people who made the Lettuce Coat complained that it takes a long time, hurts their hand, etc. Some people changed to a different type ribbing for the bottom. What do you think?

BTW, regarding the amount of yarn.... I am comfortable 1300 yd (of the sublime) is plenty based on other people's finished projects which range from 960 for the XS to 1200 for the medium; I would make a small.