I don't know how Poker Stars became so big volume wise and huge tourney's. Most of the famous and popular pro's are with Full Tilt.
I still don't understand why people continue to use/play on Poker Stars, this is one of the worst River sites ever. Also I have never seen such crap hands beating premium hands. Pre-flop raises and these newbies call or go All-in. I don't play this site anymore, but my buddy still plays it. He came in 2nd on a few tourney's, but I laugh at him when he gets beat by crap hands, but he continues to play there. I guess the only benefit playing at PS is there's such huge and variety of Tourney's/games, Pts, and they are a very safe site, which you will always get paid.
The site doesnt create the bad beats. I play there and i used to think i was getting screwed but it just happens. I have had some horrible beats on full tilt as well.
OP asks why Pokerstars is so much bigger than Full Tilt. One reason is Stars started in Late 2001, while Full Tilt was later entering the scene, not until Summer 2004. Also for whatever reason, Pokerstars saw the largest increase in players once PartyPoker closed all US accounts in Oct 2006.
There are definitely no more bad beats there than any other site. If you want fast cashouts and one of the most reliable rooms, they are great. However you do pay for that service, in that they lack alot of promotions and bonuses of other card rooms.
never played at Stars but have definately experienced many bad beats on every site that i have played and in live games too. bad beats just happen, especially when you are holding only a single pair like AA-QQ
not a surprise at all, someone might call you with 2 high cards and hit 2 pair or with small pair and hit trips. happens all the time. thats why you dont go all in preflop even with AA unless you absolutely have to. make a decent raise and see the flop then go from there, much safer.