Do Landing pads make a difference  

Good, I’m glad I could help. I like the StartRC pad but use both. The larger one works well with my mini 3 pro. It’s not as accurate when it lands.

I love these because it keeps grass from getting caught in my motors and the dampness off the bottom of my drones.

I always hand launch & land my mini 3 pro but use to have the spring loaded landing pad when flying the mavic pro

I keep meaning to look up the applicable ordinances in my neighborhood to see if I can get away with just painting the landing pad symbology on the block of sidewalk I always seem to use for takeoffs and landings. Of course, at the price of paint these days, either of the pads you so nicely reviewed might be cheaper and a lot more portable!

I am going to order one

I hike to remote beaches to film surfers, the heavy pads are too much to carry. The lighter pads are great, but more of a hassle. You have a great location to film.

No idea! I never land on the ground!