"More is more" still reigns supreme in regards to patterns. As I pointed out earlier, an 80% pattern with a 1 1/8 oz payload will put more actual pellets in a pattern than a 7/8 oz can with a 100% pattern. And just how many of those mythical 100% patterns has one seen? What really matters is actual pellets in the pattern, not percentages. Of those extra pellets not in the core, many will be close by filling in the gaps and thereby enlargening the size of the core. This allows one a little larger center.
As for higher scores resulting from lighter shot charges, that is a bit more than just less fatigue from recoil. In Iternational Trap, scores dropped but than climbed due more to the realization greater mental focus and concentration was needed. This is when mental conditioning and training techniques were developed to a greater extent than in the past. The proof is looking back and seeing some otherwise great shooters struggling to regain their former prominence while others continued climbing higher.
I do agree that there is a point of diminishing return in regards to shot weight and recoil but the heavier shot charge will always have an advantage in total numbers. The individual able to use those numbers will always have an advantage.
