If the board isn't performing any better, but you make the rider <i>think</i> it is, that's trouble. I rode a prototype set of isolator plates that were reeeeealy cush. They increased comfort a lot. However, they were separate - one for each foot, and they were very heavy and had massive foot prints (dead spots) on the board. This would make the board perform worse, but I felt more comfortable. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I was on hero snow, so it didn't matter. But devices like that aren't solving any problems. Any device worth using <i>must</i> increase edge hold and rider comfort in harmony.