Nice review Pete. I have a set of the Wendy's pads, and I like them very much. While firm they are very comfortable. The cloth/ microfiber material that they use is, in my opinion, more comfortable than any of the other pads of the moisture wicking/ cloth/ microfiber genre. Having said that, the construction issue you raise is something to be aware of. My set shows some signs of the stitching being strained and I will be interested to see how durable the pads prove to be. Perhaps the fabric is merely a bit tricky to stitch.
In the end, however, If, as the data would seem to suggest, the Zorbium does in fact prove to offer an increased level of protection, these pads are certainly a good option, and, I would not be surprised if Team Wendy upgraded the cloth material in the next version of this pad. They seem to have a good reputation, and, in light of that, I am optimistic. These pads I believe are a step in the right direction for the traditional mask wearer, especially for those working in hot weather.