The “toothpaste”-like stuff on the YF-23 image that MSphere posted is actually the same thing, I think.
they are strain gauges on PAV-2 LE flaps, exactly
PAV-1 had some of those on V-tails, too (sometimes mistakenly thought to be panel lines)
YF-22 and YF-23 were a prototypes and were never intended for RCS tests, as those were made on full-scale high-fidelity pole models, so not LO tech rivets were never an issue
the same case is for Sukhoi T-50-1 AV
on production a/c, RAM reaching up to 3 (three) inches at some areas (at least I judge from F-23 factory drawings), would cover everything leaving selected openings and panel lines of fast access panels, fixed by stealthy flush-head fasteners, several dozens patents for which were received by Nortrop and Lockheed in last 20 years.
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