funny how math can bring the truth out of anything.
I submit that you are correct, sir!
However, while I see rather clearly that number and area wise, the 3A is the "softest" piston, fact is, the holes are smaller thus hydraulically packing up more than a physically larger 2-hole piston. If that 3A had 3 size 2B holes in it....different story, but regardless of area, I believe that hydraulically, larger holes pack up less, smaller holes pack up more.
My idea of a great piston would be:
2 #55 holes drilled in the black, much like a #1 AE piston then add 2 more holes perpendicular to those, making it a 4 hole piston, but the 2 new holes would have the combined surface area of a single #55 hole.
This way at high speed, the small holes will add a hair extra buffer in the pack-up off big jumps but still essentially make a 3 hole to keep the piston articulating in the sleeve. Also should have ehough resistance to keep the car on top of the bumps, but still allow it to ride up and down with full action.
I'll get right to work on it....lol