Ok my terminology is wrong, but the op states there getting power to 3 of the 4 hubs without doing anything using the compass test. So, no pin pulled , no brakes applied and hes showing 3 hubs with power. Not 3 hubs with power while depressing the brake or pulling the pin on the breakaway switch. Im only going by what they posted. I totaly get and agree with what your saying, but the op is stating the opposit. It dosen't have to be full power there getting to ware the shoes, just a little to enguage them. As you said, the test just shows power, not how much. Thats where the meter comes in. If you ever saw a seized brake caliper on a car, it dosen't always smoke or cause any other problems then worn pads. Without the op coming back to clarity, I can only go by what they said.