Downstroke can be louder and fuller sound than upstroke. In classical playing, downstroke is used to emphasize the melody, and the upstroke apegio is the accompaniment to the melody line. As regards speed, I'm amazed at how fast the speed-demons can play with either stroke.
Same holds true for the thumb. Flamenco players especially use downstroke with the thumb. The loudest single note you can make on guitar is the downstroke with the thumb because the whole weight of your hand can be put into a single note. But you need a sturdy long thumbnail for this technique.
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