Listen to chipcom.

There are two definitions of "pad" and padding" at work here. Pad and padding as in "cushion" is not why cyclists wear cycling shorts. It's pad and padding as in "absorption" that prevents chafing.

Wicking that sweat out of the other side of the pad is what keeps the pad dry and prevents chafing, and why thick pads are less effective at absorption than thinner ones. It's also why, in the three-seasons, I don't wear anything over my cycling shorts. It traps the sweat I'm trying to get rid of.

On this basis I doubt "liner shorts" would be much better than whatever you're doing now.

I work a four-day workweek, and have six sets of commuting wear for each season. This way I'm not washing stuff constantly.

I've had no issues with washing my cycling wear with my other clothes. Just remember, no fabric softeners and no dryer. This way I'm not dealing with partial loads, a particular problem for those of us with coin-op laundry.

I found shorts and summer jerseys that work well for me at Nashbar. The shorts were a closeout from five years ago that's no longer available. I can get through this year with them. When they need replacement, I'm going to try Aerotech Designs.