I think the vista pads that people are experiencing in Eliminator races is related to the fact that I think you have to be closer to the pads to pick them up in Fury than in HD.
In that case, people wouldn't hear the "bonus pickup sound" with nothing in the weapon slot.
I didn't play a lot online this week-end, but never experienced thoses problems.
I always play in Phantom or Rapier if there aren't any event.