Because they are. They go completely over the ear and are very comfortable. Big improvement in that regard.

They do for sure affect sound, but not by much. The sound appears more open and spacious, it gives the illusion of improved soundstage. And about sound signature - I used lately a mild EQ to further flatten the sound, and with the the new pads i preffer it without EQ. So I guess it works for me, but that's rather subjective.