Interesting. I got crazy static on my rear bumper after GG compound then WG sealant. I thought it was the whole process. But then I compounded my front bumper and didn't seal, and no static. I wonder if it was the WG sealant.
In general, closed cell pads like Lake Country Hydrotech, and Buff and Shine Euro-Cell pads exhibit wear much faster than their open cell counterparts.
Standard Lake Country flats/CCS, Buff and Shine Grip Pads, and Meguiar's discs are plenty durable.