I only use silioone when the product says not to use putty.
Most putty problems are from using to much.
I believe you are correct, but there was a time when I could use tephlon paste alone and never have a leak, or tape. Now the "junk" that most everyone is selling and everyone has to buy won't let you do that.
I used to put a drain in a stainless steel sink and it fit perfect. I don't think I would have needed anything to keep it from leaking. Same with threaded pipe, now the baskets are wavy and the sink has a flange that looks like some kid making 50 cents a day beat it out on a rock with another rock.
The silicone fills all the voids and doesn't wash out, so I use it. Like I said I used to use putty for everthing you could too, never had a problem, now I do. I haven't changed how I do it, the putty has changed and so has the fit of the fittings, which is to blame, maybe both, maybe me, I'm just getting older and tired.