Have any of you guys ever seen a display at the auto parts store showing the insides of a Fram and other filters? After seeing the construction I wouldn't use a Fram on my lawnmower. I wish I could find the website that had extensive tests done by a fellow on several different brands of filters. Things like how small the particle could be and still pass through the filter, burst pressure, bypass valve operation, filter capacity, restriction, and other tests were done. The Wix filters were right at the top of the performance category and the Fram was at the bottom. There were some other good filters too. If I remember right Purolator and Baldwin were good also.
Back to the OP's question. A small filter doesn't hold as much crap before plugging up but if the engine is in good condition and you keep the oil changed regular it shouldn't be a issue.
I found the link to the article. Here ya go
http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar/oilfilters/reference.html