Hi yipidyap, I agree with you on the latest pads for Wagtail. Too flimsy. I told the manufacturer so but it was too late, he'd already decided to change them. Iv'e still got a few so alright for a while.
You might just get some of the old pads by trawling the internet. I saw some on an American site but can't remember which one.
Have you considered cutting up a trad applicator and sewing some velcro onto it.
I cut on up but havn't got round to sewing yet but sure it would work.
As for fanning/s stroke, well I get that somtimes too but I don't know what causes it as yet.
GG3 is the best thig to use so at a guess I think it may be sweeping the blade and changing direction too quickly which throws the water to the ends more so than a conventional blade because the swivel action eggagerates this.
Chris