i think arcade stick is THE fighting games' controller. but on the other side it's all about habits and game stlyles.
there can be great players on both sides, so isn't a discounted choice, it's subjective.
towards PS pads:
PS2 one:
+usable L2-R2
+less heavy
PS3 one:
-sucky L2-R2
-heavy
+no cable, lol
objectively PS2 pad is better, but i don't judge who use ps3 pad!