MK doesn't require DB, DF input as much as SF does, this is why pads are bad for SF, it is a completely different game, with different input requirements, and can completely be considered different in that way.
(Try playing 3s on a pad, it just doesn't work as well as it does for MK.)
PS2/PS3 input works perfectly for MK because it is more of a 'tapping' game than the fluid movements of SF. b,b; b,f; b,d,b; etc. Movements like NW's hatchet are d,f, not b,db,d,df,f or even d,df,f.
Sticks register the 4 directions (other than b,d,f,u) better than PS pads.
The precision that comes with a stick isn't necessary for any MK, keyboard players prove that correct.
The extra inputs give you more opportunities to fail using them, and you can be more strong in one direction (right or left) with a stick, but we aren't talking about human error.
The reason you don't see any dominating Kano players on XBL is because you cannot configure the buttons (which is untrue on mame, which is used in tournaments far more than 360), and DS just doesn't have two triggers on both sides (but who cares?).
Saying sticks are helpful to MK is just as much of an opinion as saying pads are.
Keyboards are better than sticks and pads anyway. You can use multiple directional inputs, and have an enormous amount of options for button layout. I don't know why anyone would gloat over pad, stick, or think they are using the most superior control panel for MK.
Sticks are just more fun to use than anything else, and don't break/wear so fucking easily (<--gfdi).
