Amy,
I have only used cloth for both babies, and have only ever had one breakout of thrush which wasn't related to breastpad use!
The Avent ones are seriously not the best on the market - there are heaps better ones around! Have a look at Weewuns for starters - they make all sorts, and hemp is a great absorbant way to go - plus has anti-bacterial properties.
I have about 10pairs of cloth breast pads, and they are all I ever wear. They take a few washes to break in, but so much more comfortable than paper ones.