I think the whole idea of the padding isnt to provide cushioning, it is to give 2 separated material surfaces so they can slide independently of each other thus eliminating direct friction.
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2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks