I do understand that aspect of it, and the service manual doesn't tell us to use or not to use any type of compound. At only 26 ft.lbs. of torque for the water pump bolts, I personally wouldn't worry about it. You could back off from the torque spec.# a few ft. lbs. if using anti seize or sealant is a concern. Use 22 or 23#'s instead of 26. I've never had any problems over the years with this approach.