[Elecraft] [KAT500] KAT500-K thermal pad question

[Sam Morgan]

My KAT500 K #0233 arrived missing the 'thermal pad'
perhaps some of you who have already built your kit,
could answer my question.......
what is this missing 'thermal pad'?

Is it something to insulate R6 from the case,
like used on a transistor to insulate it from ground?

or

is it something to help transfer heat to the case?

if it's the latter could I temporally use
some CPU thermal paste until the replacement part arrives?

TIA

-- 

GB & 73
K5OAI
Sam Morgan