I don´t think the molded hood pad is the problem; could be it creates a little bit more tension on the clips but not so much more than the regular pad will do.
The tension on the clip is more a matter of weight and I can´t imagine the molded hood pad being so much heavier than the regular one.
Even when trying the clips without(!) the hood pad they slid out once again very easy, only minor force requiered... It requiered some force to get them in but once when in they nearly fell out again on their own...

BTW - Snow Cruiser, do you still remember where you´ve bought the square ones?