[GuyBFF]

I like to crank mine down until the spring coils almost touch, but do not go until they do, just to make sure a hose won't lift an edge and cause chipping.
The athlon pads are there to help you place the block or heatsink on, then bring it down to the core evenly. They don't exhibit enough resistance to make any difference if you remove them, I'd leave on them for the almost inexistant safety factor they add.