Well even with a mainstream stupid side-chain synth you can achieve some pretty cool things imo.
I once changed the notes of the chords constantly, (keeping the main ones), against the rhythm. So the pads still sidechain to give the music some speed, but the chords aren't boring. (the song is in my signature)
Another thing that you could do it not side-chain everything the same. Maybe do 3x 1/4th bar side chain and then 2x 1/8th bar in every 4 bars? This will give a little jump up at the end of every bar..
Well the sky is the limit of course, but my point is, even if your pad is boring or mainstream, notes or unexpected changes in side-chaining are things that could help you get a much cooler sound, without destracting the focus off your vocals.