Also, I was told by a few pilots that they are using parachutes as a
cushions in a glider.

While this is a quote that is occaisionally heard, it's not meant to be
taken literally. It usually means that although the chute is there to
be called upon in an emergency, the odds are that during the flight it
will only serve the purpose of being a cushion. It doesn't necessarily
mean that the chute is not being worn in the proper manner or that it is
out of re-pack.

Realize that in many gliders if you chose not to wear a parachute, you
would probably need to use some sort of a seat cushion in order to sit
in the glider comfortably. Which would you choose.... cushion, or a
parachute?