Yes, all sorts of things affect thrust, it's not really the number of blades! The early Wren MW54s only put out about 11-12 pounds and it was a change of compressor plus a few extra tweaks which took them to 14.

The wheels are designed for different purposes, the gas-generator has a more rounded, scoop-like shape compared with the flatter thrust blade and is intended to generate the gases needed to power a second stage.

Sara Parish
Wren Turbines