[jsr]

Yes. I know what thermal pads are. I'm in electronics manufacturing and have used them in far more applications than most people. Like I said, 2mm isn't ideal...the thinner the better, but there may be manufacturing tolerances and environmental issues that may have been taken into account. A computer is a static device that does not see drastic Gs, especially directly on the unit itself. An ESC is in an environment where it may suffer from direct impact. I'm not saying what HW did is absolutely correct or ideal, but that there are often other factors involved in a design than many people realize. Or it could just be poor design. If you don't like it, don't use it.