Have to agree with Steve here Trish. The point of climbing isn't always the moves you do. Low to mid height bouldering, and sport climbing are there if you just want to test your physical limits. Other kinds of climbing can challenge different limits. Mental strength, misery/pain tolerance, even boredom threshold. For some people, myself included, it would all be a bit pointless if there was no consequence. Thats not to say I want to die, or search out particularly risky things to do. The idea is to put yourself in a position with a certain amount of consequence and learn something from how you deal with it. If you want something largely inconsequential, go sport climbing.
The, for want of a better word, "adventure" element in climbing is what makes it a bit different to other sports. Personally I don't think climbing should be considered a sport in the true meaning of the word.
The whole pad thing boils down to the person really. If you want to get that sketchy E7 tick, no pads. If you want a highball 7b, use as many pads as you can get your hands on. If you just want to do the moves, use a toprope. Personal choice.
Edit: Beat me to the punch Dave. I agree.
