Of course a B1,B2,B3 will "outperform" a 500 for the most part on the same job cause it will lift more and had more seats, can cary more fuel etc...
but I think Remote hooks point is that given a proportionate job, say lifting 75% of the normal weight the machine is capable of the 500 is faster just cause you can see better and its more manoeuvrable.
Sure an experienced bag/drill mover can be quick in an Astar, but the same guy will be quicker in the 500 assumig the weight your lifting is proportionate.....
Besides....8 hours a day on the line in an Astar always has me saying "dammyneckhurts"