thermal grease on both sides of an insulator does not worsen thermal path.
There are known cases were they "can" have an issue.
In my experience I have seen one 2510 that exhibited the goofy high SWR with the covers on problem.
And that is why I said it would need one... if the swr issue arises. That's why I wrote "If the radio is completely stock then don't worry about it "
Emitter = negative or - is on the tab no insulation needed just some heasink compound.
The heatsink is aluminum and not a great conductor of ground which can cause a higher swr problem as the final gets hotter. Key word...Hotter. The 477 final mounting TAB is a power ground not a chassis ground. Sure the heatsink is soldered to the board in a couple spots as chassis ground but its not enough and it is not a true ground. It can cause RF feedback without an insulator at higher power levels.
It was suggested by Doc(who was a local friend... R.I.P.) and Rogerbird(a pure genius) to run a copper braid from the heatsink to a tuning can for better ground so that the higher swr, if any, can be controlled.
These are all things I have dealt with working on my fair share of 2510's that have been modified away from stock that put out higher watts. Even worse, is if you do the MRF455 mod which needs 2 fans to keep it cooler. Without the fans it turns into shit show.
The following is right from Rogerbirds website.
Cure for High SWR with covers off or on
Usually this problem is caused by the fact that Uniden did not install an insulator between the MRF477 Final and the heatsink.
The mounting tab of the MRF477 (and MRF497) is 'Power' Ground and the heatsink is 'Chassi' Ground.
Meeting through the final can cause a 'RF ground loop effect' which tends to cause the High SWR issue.
The cure is to add an insulator between the Final and heatsink. Be sure to add a thin coat of Thermal Grease to both sides of the insulator.