Is the thick pad on top of the display data connector necessary?

After a 1/2 glass sherry spill over the top right of the keyboard, some keys stopped working (from memory, 8,i,k,/,shift, return, delete, & power on, at first)

I followed your excellent guides and youtube vids and totally dismantled the Macbook pro below the keyboard. Little or no signs of anything wrong. Left open for few days and cool hair drier. When I came to put it together I could not find the thickish black/grey pad (sort of triangular but not quite) which was attached to the pull tag on top of the display data cable connector, nor the black sticker on the backlight connector. I replaced that with a small piece of black insulating tape but what to do about the thick pad on top of the display data cable connector. Is it cushioning, temperature control or what? Can I replace it wait a small piece of neoprene foam (wet-suit type).Shoul dit be stuck on, to what and with what? I'm reluctant to reconnect the battery, close the case and try it in case it's important and not being there cause more damage. A speedy reply would be most helpful. I need to know if the spill has caused only temporary or permanent loss of key function. Your guides are fantastic. Keep up the good work