What purpose does it serve?
PADS are for the GLUE, so it does not absorb into the tip making it harder.
it also allows for you to pop off the tip with a razor and use it later.
:boring2: The Glue will decide if the pad will dampen the feel of the hit.
pads will also reduce that 'cling' noise you get on fiberglass sticks.
Nowadays tips are laminated, so it does now matter what their made of; Pig, Cow, Paper, Cotton, etc... its the laminate epoxy that gives it the hardness.
why they don't just make full epoxy tips? That Doesn't SELL! also some leagues had rules when fools were using diamond dusted tips and wearing/chipping balls.
Layers will also effect the 'feel' more layers will hit slightly softer; it will also give it more 'end tip mass'; but I see no science that says how much end tip mass is needed to produce a performance difference. (or in your case how many layers will effect Your tip/ferrule performance.
The sad part is that companies do not post testing results (IF THEY EVEN DO TESTING)
You may find its just marketing, for example, the Cyborg tip is no better then the $3 laminated pig skin from ebay. It is exactly the same material and laminate; with 3 more layers for $22.
Dr. Dave has published some papers from students work proving some of this among other things but you have to dig deep to find it. He also published students work proving name brand chalk to be facetious. Among other things like Irish linen wrap.
a combo of medium laminate and low profile is what I find best. some may go with medium-hard and more layers,