| Of course you can run over the pavers with the plate compactor and no pad. It's done all the time. The caveat is that you'll find no one who does this that will guarantee that a block or two or three (or more) won't be marked or scuffed or even cracked during the process. I've done it without the pad...and taken the chance...and been lucky so far. But I often wonder when that day will come. One thing you might try, if you can get this, is use some old burlap instead of the pad. You wouldn't need enough to cover the whole patio, as you could move the burlap around as you go. I wouldn't try attaching it to the plate, as it will tear faster that way. But if you place it on the pavers and run over it with the smooth plate, it's better protection than nothing. If part of your interest is having any kind of manufacturers guarantee work for you, with any product, then it's best to follow the directions. Deviate from the specified course with any product installation, and the manufacturer will have grounds to deny remediation of defects. But then again, how often are paver manufacturers taken to task over these kind of things? Unfortunately, there are no guarantees for you here on this issue...just the product of experience. And like I said, I've been lucky to date. But I must admit to having heard about others who left the plate compactor sitting in one place too long or having scuffed up a number of pavers in the process. There's good days, and bad. Good luck. | 
