Yeah, the slower machine here would seem to slow me down too, but I think it was because I was using the host to help render and Bryce Lightning doesn't seem to like that(and only Lightning, using 2 comps). My other 3d app would use both my machines at 44% more render speed on same network. Bryce also seemed to get slower times with larger scenes with host helping render, small scenes would be a little faster. Others have said the same thing about slower times with host comp networking rendering too. So maybe its just BL, and not the setups.

...As far as I have read, you have to have at least three computers that are almost identical in specs for improved rendering(correct if wrong..). 

...-If that's true, that's ridiculous.

I meant with three or more computers, not using the host to help render, which is what the Bryce manual suggested at the time for Lightning. I've read everywhere else, that it is a good idea to have near identical specs, for better networking renders if possible(to avoid any other problems).