im a user who prefers no standoffs. with my DD 2900xt block, i shaved down the standoffs so i can get better contact. was able to keep the 2900xt at 940Mhz core, using 1.35v at 45C load. while the stock mounting on stock clocks/volts was almost 60C. i prefer to set the pressure myself. i never found it difficult.

if your warping a card without standoffs, then loosen the pressure until the card is no longer warped, then when running a benchmark, watch the temps, and apply pressure between the gpu block and the back of where the gpu is, basically mimic the idea of more pressure exactly on the gpu, if temps drop by a noticeable spike, even 1-2C then you need to/can add more pressure. if nothing changes, you wont see a difference by cranking the screws down.

basically start soft and add a little bit over time until results are no longer gained