I guess the next question would be if the damage you deal has a direct effect on plunder. 1 hit haunts aren't very fun though
How about steal? Comparing assassinate to steal( ex Ambush ) which one is better? On an unload basis ofc
On ambush if you are a hansel or have a heavy spy attack then stealing is the better choice but if your spy power is weak it seems assassinations seem a better choice.
I'd offer to do another eb to test myself but my allies will have changed which may have an effect. Though I have a feeling that it may actually be related to troop number instead of strength...