Gotta chime in with the practical answer.  In practical use the lower gain 
of a 3 element antenna will be far outweighed by the ease of handling it 
over the bigger longer heavier 4 element.
Where the 4 element will have more db than the 3 element will be in 
pattern - i.e. if you want to turn it and hear the signal go away, the 
signal will go away more with the 4 element, but this still is somewhat 
related to boom length - i.e. a 3-el vs. a 4-el on a boom the same length 
won't show a lot of difference.
Short answer: Depends on your tower and your needs.  At N5OT I go with the 
smallest antennas to get the job done, but it's a big job.
Mark, N5OT
Out the door for Dayton! 
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