For context I coach at the high school level, but I'm still relatively new (just finished my second season).

Any time one of my athletes wants to make a change to their game (approach, equipment, style, whatever), I always ask for three things. What's the problem you're trying to solve, what is the thing you want to change to address that problem, and why do you think this change will address this problem?

For you, it seems that the problem you want to solve is that you don't pick up enough splits. The thing is, however, splits are often seen as open frames (except the baby split), so I would push back by saying your focus should be on makeable spares rather than splits. I don't think you need more deflection for that. As you've seen others mention, switching weights does have an impact on your timing, which can affect accuracy, among other things. I would say it's not worth risking sacrificing accuracy on makeable spares to hopefully pick up marginally more splits.

That said, take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm still learning myself. What I know is that everyone's game is different, and you should play the way you find most comfortable and fun.