Nicholas,
Thanks for your reply. Your tutorial makes a great deal of sense, but I always like to get independent feedback when possible. However, based on the nature of the Net, if there was any major problem with PecPads, I suspect it would be all over the forums (e.g., like the 10D focus "measurebators" on DPReview).
Several people I know have never swabbed their sensors (10D, 1D and D60; 6 months to 2 years), relying on careful lens changing technique, bulb blower, and Photoshop cloning when necessary.
Naturally YMMV, but my sense at this time is to go this same conservative route and reserve sensor swabbing for those times when it is absolutely necessary. I just want to have the right tools when that time comes.
Regards,
Paul