I've ridden fixed gears without brakes. And this is going to sound stupid, but I think it's really fun! Because you're constantly in motion(and the bike is usually really light), it really feels like you're going as fast as the bike is. With regular bikes when you stop peddling and you keep going you feel like you're on a vehicle, not part of a machine. I dunno, it sounds stupid but I can see the appeal of being in total control. theyre not appropriate in all cities, like Halifax, but many cities are flat enough for them to be really fun.
My bike is a fucking ridiculously stupid heavy bike, it is really good looking and works well but it feels like I basically have a trailer on the back, it has coaster breaks that I really love though, I don't like hand brakes as they kinda freak me out.