I think in hand feel and device geometry have way more to do with the central question in OP than screen size.
More than just the “less bezel” meme, the shape and feel (of a TPU case) dictate the user end result.
That said I use a Samsung Infuse (with a monster extended battery pack and CM10.1)with a 4.5 inch screen that is a 59mm wide by 98mm long screen. (Thats wider and longer mm of display than my girlfriends GNEX) I also have an HTCEVO 3D with a 4.3 inch screen higher resolution but narrower width…so it stays on my desk and get a new flash of CM now and again.
So i use a less capable phone with a lower resolution display because I want a bigger window, but mostly a wider keyboard.
I like the Widget use comment above about how smaller screen size preference might be related to unfamiliarity to widgets. I tend to add as many Widgets as possible slowly till I get lag, and then remove a couple and enjoy my snappy Android UI…with a basically a Galaxy S1 with a low res S2 screen.
Personally right now I want a ONE with AOSP… and a mophie juice pack for it.
