Easier/less effort to be fast and precise with a stick, that is once you get proficient in using one. You won't get cramps and blister like on a pad, though there are ways of handling a pad so that that doesn't happen. One thing for sure, you get five nice responsive buttons, one to each finger.
Playing stick won't make you a better player, but it might let you play better.
Japanese sticks are, usually, square-gate, very loose, and low throw. The buttons are convex and light. American sticks are, usually, circle-gate, very stiff, high throw, and wobbly. Buttons must be smacked as hard as you can. And you must mash during every super, regardless.
The better player would win.