sealing shower valve tile shower

[geoffhazel]

seems like you go to elaborate lengths to keep a shower watertight and then there is this 5" hole in the wall with a plate with a little foam ring to seal it to the tile. Is that the way it is, or is there a better way?

 

[phishfood]

Even if the valve plate has a foam ring, I always caulk the plate, shower arm plate, and tub spout to the tile.