That would be a very good question. Did anyone checked this already on a mac pro 09 ? But the iTunes thing is a software problem.
I've seen two different pics of the 2009 sinks removed and before cleaning. The pics and related text weren't about paste but I do remember thinking that one of them was way too thickly spread. I remember thinking that because I though it would be impossible for it to remain that thick if the sinks were tightened properly - which confused me. It appeared to be between 1.8 and 2.2 mm thick, evenly caked, and finely patterned as if applied by machine. The one in the other pic appeared normal to me.
So, you guys might be on to something. Hmmm...