There was an excellent interview on AdventureRider Radio podcast about pads. They interviewed a motorcycle brake pad scientist (I think from DP Brakes but not 100% sure). It's the Aug 27, 2020 episode "Choosing Motorcycle Brake Pads--What is Brake Fade". Very good episode. Check it out.
I changed my rear pads last year (about 55,000 kms then) and left the caliper attached to the bike. I remember it being awkward. The manual said something about making sure that spring stays in place. I had to really look to find the spring. No problem, I thought, I won't touch it then all of a sudden PTWAAANNNNGGG as it flew across the garage!!
It took me half an hour to find it...then another half an hour to figure out how to put it back in place...ugghh...