My PowerMax converter has many of its circuit board components anchored with a white goop holding them down on the top of the CB where their "legs" are soldered in. The white goop resembles more of a caulking more than a wet paste. It acts as more of a glue, especially for anchoring the very thin wires here and there.
I don't have the internet access to search around, but ISTR in the long thermistor thread last winter, it turned out the thermistor was supposed to protect the whatever it's called component next in line, which was set against the heat sink with a screw through its middle. I forget the name of it, but Salvo pointed out what and where it was.
Sorry I cannot now link you to the exact thing there, but you can find it all if it matters and you search. (very long thread) Pretty sure it is relevant to this topic. Could be wrong.
