I took a look at a landing pad 11 in a store and I think I understand how it might be a problem over time. Since I'd like to put the rack on and take it off frequently, rather than leave it on, I'm not willing to take the risk. So I've decided to go with a Thule rack.
Now, to decide between the Mazda rack, which is made by Thule, and the Thule Podium 460 and 3080 fit kit. I suspect they are very similar. I saw the Mazda rack manual in post 391, but I haven't been able to find a manual for the 3080 fit kit. Rack Attack usually has them, but not for the 3080. Can anyone who has one describe it in more detail than I can find? From the manual in post 391, the Mazda rack has some protective film to put under the pads. Does the Thule 3080 have that? Are the pads angled to be a perfect fit just like the Mazda one? Do all the bolts, sleeves, and washers work the same? If no one has the 3080, I'll have to make a trip to REI to look at one whenever I next go to a city that has one.
The Mazda and Thule seem really similar, since both are made by Thule. From what it looks like, the differences are these:
* Mazda may offer protective film to protect the car.
* Mazda offers "spoilers" to reduce wind noise
* Mazda is maybe a little higher to avoid the sun roof if you have it, which I don't.
* Thule offers longer bars
* Thule is likely cheaper. Especially if you can catch them on sale, use an REI dividend, etc.