As reinforcement pad thickness goes down, SIFs go up, stresses go up, high forces on reinforced branch connections must go down to meet code stresses.

Whether that comes in the form of low friction supports, enhanced flexibility in pipe routing, or expansion joints - that will depend on the individual case.

Alternatively, you should argue the cost-savings case on specifying a thicker wear pad at selected locations.

Are they reinforcing all connections? If so, that might be why they're specifying thinner reinforcement pads across the board.