Gr.Viper is completely correct, doing that is a quick and easy method to connect all of the dpad membrane switches.
On the subject of the Stick being better:
I will not argue that a Dpad or a stick is better, it is perfectly clear to me that GPH can't get either one right.
The Dpad however is much easier to modify and can in fact easily be replaced with a one-piece pivot style (AKA real dpad), either internally or externally (as shown in that brilliant youtube video), while retaining use of the original switching mechanisms.
The original stick was a piece of pure crap. While I do wish that a proper micro-switched 4-way (logical 8-way) model was produced instead of the "brass cap" affront to reason that was given us, I think that a D-Pad is fine (and much easier to modify).
As for the "center press":
This is the reason we don't have a real D-pad, instead of adding a separate physical switch GPH thought that a disconnected set of four directions could be used simultaneously to activate the center press function.
Boo. A simple method to regain the function is to use a momentary 5-pole switch (or logic array that performs a similar function), pressing it will connect all four to the common and then the center button will press.
Interesting, but far too expensive at present for me to purchase and play with.
