I think I read something about spreading it all around the heatsink filling in cracks. Then wipe it all off and put a dab in the middle, push them together, rotate a degree or two in both directions, and call it good. However, I have never done that or ever heard of anybody doing that. I wouldn't worry TOO much about it... but don't put too much on... or too little. I picked a medium and put half of what they recommended on, spread it around, and then put the other half of what is recommended as a dot in the middle, and I've never had a problem, although some people will probably tell me how wrong I was to do that.
I'd wait until Nubius or Gaara got on and see what they have to say. They definitely know what they're talking about and I know in the past, they have answered my questions.