I won't argue, but I will approach this from a different angle. I have never used shorts with thin padding that I found comfortable. Using high end Aerotech shorts with thin padding and thick padding, I find the thick substantially more comfortable. Pressure is more of an issue for me than friction. If I go for a 40 mile ride without cream, and one with cream, I won't feel any different during the ride. I may feel a little superficial friction tenderness after the ride if I don't use cream. Lastly, I have tried a number of seats with essentially no padding, and simply cannot use them. I had a fit specialist convince me to try a high end saddle with no padding. I did a 20 mile ride and ended up with bruises over my sit bones. Same bike, same shorts, same fit specialist, saddle exchanged for comfort/padded seat and no issues.