How does running a full node put more power in your hands? I run several full nodes, and I don't feel very powerful. In a POW coin the miners have to run full nodes, but I don't see the advantage of Joe average running one. Does it really help secure the network?
Well, someone who runs a fully-validating non-mining wallet (usually mis-referred to as a 'full node', despite the fact that Satoshi's nodes were capable of mining) is able to conduct transactions in a fully trustless manner. This could be considered a benefit to that party. But the notion that this somehow conveys some benefit to the system as a whole is nothing but a myth.