I thought the same thing until after I did it. Watch the YouTube videos from Max Tech and Created Tech. They explain it all.

However, the MacBook Pro 14" has a better display, so if you need/want that it's worth it to get the 14" Pro. But I don't need that better display when using my Air remotely. It's good enough. I use it docked with a 5K2K LG display so that point is moot.

Here are the links to the exact thermal pads you'll need, from Amazon US:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CGVZ4YG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YNDWZL7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1