I'd say you are wrong, you would prefer to shoot it with a pad. But on reflection, I've never shot a big .30 without a pad, so that's a bit quick.
I do have a smaller 6mm 1K rifle about like a .243 (but no muzzle break), I shot it without a pad for a year or so, then put one on. Easier to control with the pad. Also easier to clean, if you hold the butt when pulling back on the cleaning rod (assumes you don't have a job that builds calluses on your palms).
I have found that shooting free recoil, the shoulder position & "tenseness" is still a factor. If I'm not careful with the shoulder position, a bit of vertical creeps in. Second place is never far away.
I don't shoot the .30 LGs free recoil, but I'll bet dollars to donuts the principle of the shoulder position/tenseness is still there. Any number of ways to keep shoulder pressure even, but a pad never hurts. One flipped shot and first place is usually gone.
