so the downside to a small pool is blocks won't be found as often and you will earn less credits, but over the long term it should even out?
in 2days at MtRed i'm not making nearly as much as i did at btcguild
Generally speaking, it evens out over time. But the variance hurts more if a bigger pool has a bad streak (in the short term). It all comes down to the features of the pool and whether or not it addresses your needs. And I for one, find MtRed is currently the best pool to suit my needs.