On several occasions I did a A vs B [rx-only] comparison between my EFHW (invert-L but with only 5m vertical) and my Cha MPAS Lite vertical. I switched mid QSO using a manual antenna switch. I noticed for some QSOs one antenna was better, for other QSOs it was the other one, and for some QSOs there was no difference.
I concluded the differences were due to propagation mode and direction of each signal suiting the EFHW (e.g. NVIS with directional lobes) or the vertical (e.g. low-angle, omni-directional).
But, averaged over a large number of incoming signals (or QSOs in an activation) I’ve found there wasn’t much difference between them at least for the bands the antennas were intended for.
My instincts tells me my EFHW on a 6m pole has to be a better radiator / collector than my 1.4-long MFJ18xx monoband whips (and 7m counterpoise wire) sitting at rig height. Which is why I was so surprised with the results when I first tried them.
I don’t have enough experience to judge – especially now the solar cycle may be starting to wane – if the short whips still work well. So, I’m going to go ‘minimalist’ in an hour or so on 30m and 15m to find out.
I hope so, now in my mid 70s, in wintry weather I would prefer to spend two minutes setting up the short whip rather than 15-20 minutes with my ‘proper’ antennas.