Roger, areed, the cleaner/newer the connector the better, but oxidation of the plug(or fuel residue, smoke fluid from accidental spill) over time yeilds a little bit of resistance/parasitics and with a lot of current, boom you have a passive component, i.e. basic resistor, dissipating some serious heat.

I've been looking for a good step-down for certain electronics in a Life powered system that I suspect are better run at 6v or less and not having the greatest luck finding them. But I believe they are used by heli guys so may try their shops.