highest recommendations 
They can, but it actually depends on the orientation of the plugs. I use the GLS pancake plugs on my boards, and most of my pedals are top-mounted jacks. Pedals such as the Blackstone overdrive have the DC power outlet between the jacks, you do have to consider the size power cable end in this instance. Sometimes you have to use a straight plug for the power cable to accommodate the tight space, or other smaller profile power plugs.
Yeah, they can. They are also not the best choice of plugs to go into loopers, with those jacks being so darn close together. How you orient the plugs can help you squeeze those power supply adapters in between nicely. But it can be real inconvenient if you don't use risers for your pedals. Aside from this, they are great for tight boards. I've saved quite a bit of room using these plugs.
are these the ones that come with the soldered kits?I am partial to G&H....
You'll be fine w/ Switchcraft or any similar plug.
Good small straight plugs. But no cable retainers like the 280 plugs, you really need to make sure you use some heat shrink tubing.
Center cable gets soldered to the tip. Sleeve wire(spiral or braided) to the ground lead of the plug.
Just ordered 40 pancakes from Orange County... now to find some wire. I'm convinced I can do this... with the forum's help of course! I recall seeing some pics of the process of soldering pancake connectors somewhere before- can anyone help?
Here you go. Just make sure with the GLS plugs, you are soldering the sleeve to the ground lug and not against the wall of the plug. You could go against the wall, but there's no point if there's already a lug for it.
Just make sure you have a good amount of rosin core solder on hand, maybe some desoldering wick in case you mess up, a set of pliers, a third hand, and some peaceful background music and you should be good for the next hour or 2 of soldering patches.
