Some cyclocross bikes come with disc brakes, e.g. this one. Yes, disc brakes take a little more maintenance (if they are hydraulic, which I doubt they would be on a cyclocross bike), but they do work a heck of a lot better.

cwr - sounds like yours aren't set up right. You can usually alter the position of the calliper a bit to straighten things up and stop the rubbing/uneven wear. Or perhaps you have a bent rotor or even a slightly squiffy hub. Unfortunately, pretty much all disc brakes squeal in the wet though.