TG the pad would have just been for shooting OFF THE BENCH. I guess I should have been more clear. But the slip on pad was only to be used if he WAS NOT shooting off the bench as upright as possible.
I use a slip on Limb Saver pad when shooting my big boys to verify zero and then send a few more down range without it. It saves the shoulder and IMO better than using a lead sled.
Nothing I said would degrade his shooting. Heck for that matter he could slip a cushion under his shirt when shooting off the bench. What is all boiled down to was his form