IMO, the problem isn't the size of the backing plate so much as the size of the loop fabric on the back of the pad. I can get yellow and white pads locally from Hi-Temp (they're "branded" Buff-n-Shine pads), and the loop fabric covers the entire back of the pad. On those pads, I've never had a problem using a backing plate that is 1/2" smaller than the pad.
CMA orange pads, however, only have loop fabric covering a portion of the back of the pad. My backing plate overhangs the loop fabric, and the edges gouge the foam and tear up the pad. If the orange pads had loop fabric to the edge of the back of the pad, I might buy some again; for now, though, I've sworn off purchasing pads with that type of loop fabric configuration.
Tort