My wife likes B&B but not sweet pickles. I think that I will try some sweet pickles next time and see if what she thinks of homemade ones.
Last time I made dills, I threw some red pepper in several of the jars to see if that was good. I got a jar out a while back after they were a year old or so. They were GREAT!
I think B&B are sweet enough and like you I add heat.