Can there ever be 'too many' fish in a game?

[cavalier]

I play in an 8-player hi-lo 5/10 game in which you ante $5 when you deal. The spread includes Omaha, 7-stud, and 5-stud with 2 $10 optional exchanges. All games are played 8 or better.

I wonder whether there is a point of diminishing returns with respect to the number of fish, loose players, maniacs, sailors ( call 'em what you want ) in the game.

Normally, the game has about a 4-4 split most of the time, sometimes 5-3 ( in either direction ).

Does it matter if the good players outnumber the maniacs or vice-versa? That is, is it better or worse to have a certain ratio for one of the good players?

FYI : Rarely do we have a hand that doesn't end with a multi-way showdown because of the maniacs.

[J.R.]

http://www.playwinningpoker.com/articles/00/23.html

Maybe not the best source, but the article is responsive and lays out the general concepts.