I just bought the XMT Intermediate Swirl Kit and I got some Pad conditioner as well.
Put it this way: Its like having a dry mouth and then brushing your teeth without getting the tooth brush wet before the paste.
Add a little water to the brush and the tooth paste lathers up well and glides more evenly across your teeth. Same thing with pads.
Ive also noticed when I didnt use it I got dusting real bad. And im still not sure what the dust is from. The pads themselves or the polish...