I thought I should post an experience of my own. I'm using AS5 and (unfortunately) the Intel stock cooler on a PD820. This is a temporary solution, as I will be getting both a cooler CPU and better cooler eventually, but for now, I do with what I can.
Earlier this week I applied the AS5 using the grain of rice sized amount of grease and then squashed it with the HSF. My temps were higher than I was expecting, but then I'm coming down from a nice tower-style cooler with heatpipes. Anyway, I began to wonder about my temps, which easily exceeded 65C at stock settings. I checked that the infamous Intel mounting mechansim was set properly, and it was. I removed the HSF and found that I hadn't gotten a neat circle of grease from the pressing action. It was more over to one side than the other, but it still covered the centre of the heat spreader, which is most important. Anyway, I went to the AS online instructions and used the thin-line method, again spreading the grease only by pressing down with the HSF. My load temperatures are now 5C better than before. I'm much happier now, and I'll manage to wait until a better cooler comes my way.
I'll see how much the temps improve over the break-in period. AS claims the temps may drop 2-5C. Another 5C over the next week or two would be great. I could increase the clock a little more.