[Elecraft] KPA100 thermal pads for Q1/Q2

[Jeff Kinzli]

So I opened up the KPA100 tonight to do a quick mod, and noticed the
thermal pads under Q1/Q2 are a bit worn. It's like the pressure of me
tightening down on them has smashed through them a bit on the outer
edges of the pads.

Is there an issue with a path to ground here, or are they strictly
thermal in nature? I don't think the thermal integrity of them is
harmed but there could be a path to ground via the heatsink, I guess.

Thoughts? Any off-the-shelf replacements for them, like
heat-conductive paste, perhaps?

Thanks for any thoughts,

Jeff N6GQ