If I remember correctly the KoolStop Dual Compound pads were a 60/40 split with the salmon part being 60% and on the leading edge (at least on the inserts I used). So the black part handled the highest loads with proper pad toe-in and helped reduce wear on the salmon part. Extra lever effort in wet conditions probably put more load on the whole pad loading the salmon part more fully but the effect was pretty seamless to me. Picking a pad suitable for the precise riding conditions might be ideal but I never considered these a 'gimmick' myself.