Well, it may be the plugs this time, but as the owner of an '03 XB9S, I can tell you that they are notorious for shorts. The wires rub and chafe b/c they were new bikes to the company and the mapping wasn't 100% yet. This causes shorts. Shorts fry things. If she's runnin' rough, check your coil. If it's running hot, it's probably a short. It can take out your coil, ecm and/or voltage regulator...
I'm out 2 ecm's, 2 voltage regulators, and 3 coils over the last 6 years and 50k in miles.
As far as the rubber under the kickstand, you might as well rub an egg on it and sing to the rain gods. It does nothing to save a battery from the cold (though I know several who believe the same thing). A good, fresh, well cared for battery is the secret. Mine lasts 1-2 years here in Central Texas. No tender.
Proper warm-up is essential. Light that puppy off a couple minutes before yer ready to leave. If yer riding her in the cold, short trips aren't the best. Letting her run and recharge are where it's at.
Robtk! a.k.a. "Special K"
"All truth (about Buells) passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Secondly, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."
--Arthur SchopenBuelly