Yes if we get blocks fast enough then the higher hashrate helps, but overall the payout is higher with the lower pool hashrate. Really it all comes back to Luck.
Yes it comes back to LUCK. But in the long haul the higher hash rate with more payouts, at a lower amount per payout, will win out over lower hash rate with fewer but larger payouts. You can't count on good luck runs, even though they are very nice when they happen.
Higher hash rate + lower payouts
vs lower hash rate + higher payouts
They will average out the same.
Statistics says so - you don't have to believe me
However, when the hash rate dropped last time, the pool luck increased at the same time.
Of course they are not cause and effect, it was luck, but it was good to see that happen.
Edit: and I will add
Bitclub has the worst luck on the pool of anyone ...
Within expected values, and he has found 3 blocks, but none-the less it is true he has had very bad luck on the pool.
I wasn't expecting him to return, and I doubt he will return again.