I build and run both styles of hull. The puller set up keeps the motor cooler while running under a hard load. The pusher has a better handling, due to the prop being closer to the rudders, given the rear of the hull better lifting. The puller will give more power while running the ground or other hard loads, because it will run cooler. Then again heat is an issue on the pusher set ups, but, not a realy big one.
As stated above, best way to solve the arguement is to each build and race.