The covers are a bit more padded than o.e, but not by much. All the fixing features are sewn onto the cover and fit in one position - if you look at the firing guides on here you can see how they work. They are fitted with proper hog rings not zip ties though.
I fitted them - and the covers came from machine monkey who was trying to adapt standard seats to take sports covers. I planned to scratch trim them for my own car, but am really busy upholstering customers seats. When the covers came up for a song I thought it a good way to do something with them and move them on. I have been offered some recaro cs seats that I fancy putting in mine really.
The seats will settle in with some use and yes some steam will help a little, but not a great deal because of the way they are padded. If they are not your bag then don't buy them. I get they won't float everyone's boat because I am not putting them in mine! They do look good on the flesh and are comfy sports seats in decent condition.