Yeah, since the H series have fewer diodes per strip you'd need to use more of them to equate to an F series build of the same output, which is because the light sources (diodes) are more spread out.
Canopy penetration is how well light can get to the lower areas of the canopy, via beaming through the layers of foliage. Which is based off of how many sources of reflection/light there is, AND the overall intensity of the light in the space. It isn't this fallacy of literally penetrating the leaves with light. Although green light and red light that does penetrate through the leaves would play a role, it isn't what anyone means when they mention "canopy penetration" or "light penetration".
Although you're correct, if you completely covered every square inch of the canopy in COBs, it would be better than covering every square inch in quantum boards because there would simply be more diodes with the COBs since they're packed tighter together. But a single QB288 ran at 100w would provide better canopy penetration than a single CXB3590 ran at 100w because the diodes are more spread out.
And I simply disagree with you saying lux coverted using steven's sphere conversions (the owner of HLG, the maker of quantum boards...) are not worth anything. They are easily within 10% of what a PAR meter would give me. I can't prove this to you without owning my own PAR meter and doing a comparison, but if you dont want to believe it than you dont have to.
It's not like I, or anyone else, can't grow using spectrum king or COBs. It's just not my preference. My dad taught physics, particularly LIGHTING physics at MIT and I know how it works because he taught me. I would prefer having more spread out light sources, and more of them so I don't like them. That's not to say they dont grow damn well, but they simply don't grow AS well as a better though out light design.
I love this commerical grow photo because it debunks the entire idea of having less, more intense light sources (like say using fewer 1000w HPS instead of more 400w HPS) is what makes for good canopy penetration. These are
300w "strips" and the plants are like 8-10 feet tall, with dense bud top to bottom. Idiots would assume something like this is only possibe with say a 1000w DEHPS because it's "more intense and therefore it penetrates better".