I disagree.
Simply putting a blob onto the CPU will end up insulating the CPU from the heatsink...
The whole idea of TIM / Gloop / Colgate / Jizz / Whatever you want to call it is simply to "Fill in the cracks and gaps left behind, and ensure that the contact between the CPU and the Heatsink is an absolute minimum... Plonking a blob of compound in the middle of the CPU sure enough does do its job, as expected, but spreading a thin layer will ensure that the Heatsink will be as close as is possible to the CPU in order that it can do a more efficient job of cooling the CPU.
Now, dont get me wrong here, I firmly believe that everyone has their own way or doing things, and I do believe that they can both correct... ( Layer or blob ) but as long as there is some there and as long as it covers most of the CPU, then whats the problem?
Although I do think that a "Translucent" layer is too little, I think this was a simple joke meaning that its spread thin.
I would suggest tests. As anyone who knows will know... The tests cannot possibly be done instantly, so, if anyone prefers to blob their CPU and they know their temps right now ( IDLE / LOADED ) then could they try a thin layer on the whole of the CPU and HEATSINK, and after a week, let us know the temps? - indeed, for those who like to spread it properly, if they could just slap a blob on and again, in a weeks time, let us know the results there?
I know for myself, I spread it and I have done thsi purely because when I used to plonk the stuff on, it was fine and it did the job, but I needed to replace 3 coolers and I had near to no gloop left and so I went a little stindgy and make it spread and I saw the temps were good, btu after a few days they had settled in and in all 3 PCs the temps had dropped by around 2-3c, just by spreading the stuff thinner than I had been doing.
I suggest that we do some tests before mouthing off at people and tellign them they are wrong when there is far more evicende to prove that a thin layer is better than a thick layer.