I also wear padded biking shorts to prevent chafing. The moisture whicking helps a little bit, but only if I stand up enough for the moisture to be able to evaporate. The main thing that they do for me, is that the pad does not move or rub against my skin. Especially with cotton shorts or undergarments, you eventually end up with the equivalent of a moist or wet towel that is constantly rubbing and scrubbing between you and the saddle. The pad prevents that.
I don't like shorts with too much cushion, either. Just a thin, preferrably anit-microbial, pad works great for me. Most thick-padded shorts are almost as uncomfortable as wearing cotton shorts, and HATE gel shorts.
Have fun out there!