yes you are starting to get an understanding, kudo's
the magnets are there because without mags, it just wouldn't work. Each different mag will impact the tone and are thusly used to get a specific tone, feel and response. And the general rule is that, yeah, ceramics are stronger so more power. But as I mentioned in my motherbucker-example, output doesn't tell the entire picture. It's a balance the pickup maker is trying to achieve and some magnets are easier to work with than others, when specific goals are trying to be met. Magnets do tend to give general characteristics to the tone, but the coil, the coil geometry, the wind, the wire gauge and even insulation of the wire, all makes a HUGE difference in the final tone.
The wire HARNESS? no not really. But the way the components are wired, does make a difference. The 50ies does have a different tone than the other ways and I prefer that one. but that's personal.
