""Apply thin, even coating to mating surfaces. After making joint secure, remove excess compound with solvent."

It's not us professionals, who are unable to read, but it's the manufacturer, who doesn't make useful recommendations!"

I agree, it is badly phrased. It would be better if they were more specific than just saying 'thin', and changed the part about 'excess compound' to be a more general statement about removal of unwanted compound.

I suppose all these things are at the mercy of the marketing department.

When I go to a shop to buy a tin of paint (note that I am *not* a professional!) I look at the instructions for the different brands. Do I buy the one that says "To achieve a good finish first sand down the old paint. Apply one coat of primer. Apply three thin coats of topcoat spaced at 16 hour intervals using a 1/2 inch brush"? No, I buy the one that says "Guaranteed coverage with one coat. No preparation necessary. Slap on thick with the largest brush you can find", even though I don't believe it.