Don, 
We do lots of PCBs from .75 x .75 to 8 x 12
All use vias absorbed into plane. If you aren't going to solder to it, it
don't need a pad.Our product is used world-wide in all enviorments and temp
ranges for -20 to 65 deg C. I initiated via absorbtion about 2 years ago and
have seen or heard of NO field failures or performance decreases. This
includes High Density RF, Analog, mixed and med-density digital designs. 2
and 4-layer with .062 thick FR-4.
In case your wondering I design for a Security Manufacture who ships approx
100,000 units monthly of about 100 different designs.

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