I think someone is confused what a trackball is. Here, let me help you.Haven't used a mousepad since I stopped using trackball mouse like 12 years ago at least.
Hear hear. Trackballs for the win. I use the new Logitech M570 myself. I play all my games with it too, couldn't go back to regular mice anymore.I use a MS Optical Trackball myself. Been using the same one for the past 10 yrs and has always done wonders for me. I also use it a lot in FPS games and it allows me to spin around quickly. But, this is only my opinion. as for a mousepad I dont use one.
It depends on the smoothness of the surface you use. I have a formica topped desk and it is smooth, but has a slight wood grain bump to it. Over time that wears off mouse feet . I use a cloth pad to prevent that. The rule with surfaces that rub against each other is the harder material will wear away the softer one. The cloth is softer than the formica top so it doesn't wear off the mouse feet.