hntnfish I understand what you are saying but if it was just a warranty and liability issue I would think it would be the same issue for all shops.

If that were the case then I would also think all calibers would come loaded (meaning with the pads in the caliber).

You can buy brake pads separate without calibers because the manufactures of these parts realize that calibers don't have to be replaced on every brake job.

Just my .02 cents.