maybe more users to share with?
Yes, but not necessarily at the Pool, but really your hashrate relative to the ENTIRE network....
Actually, it should just be at the pool-level.
It could be in this case, but it doesn't have to be. I would guess a mix of both pool and overall network.
Pool rate static & network increase > lower payout
Pool rate increases & network static > lower payout
pool rate increases & network increases > lower payout
pool rate decreases & network static > higher payout
pool rate decreases & network increases > Depends on the % change of each. Greater % relative network increase to % pool decrease leads to lower payout. Vice versa if percentage of pool drop is greater than percent of network increase
Pool hashrate only contributes to the speed at which we crack a block or frequency of payouts. Your average payout is only determined by YOUR relative hashpower compared to the ENTIRE network and has ZERO to do with pool size....Assuming 100% luck lol