Ok, so to the argument that more polishing cream is reducing the cut, let me use extremes to demonstrate why it is not possible. So the extremes would be :
1. A pad with no product at all on it
2. Not using a pad on a machine but some kind of silk material with no cut at all covered in polishing creme
So by your account, the pad with no polish on it would have the most cut. And I think that it the complete opposite; a media with no cut would cut just fine with only the polishing creme. Otherwise, why use it at all? If the pad was doing the cut, why not use a dry pad or just a pad that has been sprayed with water?
As for the argument that not covering the pad with product works just fine and produces good result, I am not saying it is not. What I am saying is that it will take more time to achieve the same result. In the case of doing jewelling polish, it might even be desirable, since you want to cut very lightly. In the case of heavy correction, I think that not priming is making the process longer than it needs to be.
It depends on the volume of liquid used. If too much liquid is used, the foam hydroplanes over the abrasives, thus reducing cutting. Too much liquid, and the cell wall loop can't as effectively "dig" at the paint. Or in the case of closed cell pads, can't mash, grind, or work the abrasive into the paint as effectively.
A bare foam cutting pad can mar up the paint without lubrication of the polish. Also, it doesn't cut enough without the aid of the abrasives.
If we look at Rupes method for treating foam pads, we find a minimal amount used at the onset. Four drops, and reload with two. Because the surface area of a foam pad is significantly reduced, less product is needed to cover it.
The full face priming technique is traced back to KBM. He started doing that after working with Meguiar's on the DAMF system, where that technique was found beneficial for microfiber. Coating all the strands in liquid made full use it the immense surface area of those pads.
However, one must take into account that:
1. Microfiber grabs and holds, foam does not.
2. Foam can self prime via capillary effect, microfiber might, but to a lesser degree. (Todd Cooperider doesn't like priming his microfiber pads.)
3. Kevin uses a very minimal amount of liquid to prime, often blowing out, or wiping off the excess.
In my experience / opinion, a similar result can be had by placing a few drops of product on the pad, turning the tool on, and letting it operate for a moment before polishing.
