I think so, yes. I manage to clear songs that I normally cleared without issue back in my PS2 DDR Extreme 2 days. I think the fact that it's a firmer surface beneath the pad helps, and again, since my biggest issue was the pad rotating, I now know where the arrow will be when I put my foot down.

I also used to fold my pads up, which, over time, and after hours of use, would ruin the sensors. This setup helps assure the pad is flat and supported at all times.

In terms of your specific problem, I think your older pad might be wearing out(?). That's what it sounds like to me. With my setup, I just bought the cheapest equivalent soft pad (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077L3NYM4/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_ODYZEb53YXXXA -- currently unavailable, but all these pads are pretty much the same), and it's working fine. I can replace it when it wears out. I bought one of those foam-built-in-pads from eBay, but after 3-4 plays, the foam started to migrate, so I sent it back.

Hope all this helps. I also don't have the budget for the nice hard pads, so I built what I thought was the next best thing. So far, no complaints. If it lasts a year, I'd be pretty pleased.

Good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077L3NYM4/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_apa\_i\_D4MfCbKFCNQ2G

if you don't mind me asking, are you currently using macOS mojave?

was thinking of picking this up too for recreational uses as well but since it specified in the description it isn't compatible for macs i became a little wary.

I use

Dance Mat Dance Pad Non-Slip Dancing Blanket Dancing Step Pads to PC with USB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077L3NYM4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_D4MfCbKFCNQ2G

This guy, it works great.