Do'h! Homer'D!
I did a bit of testing myself:
Maxim's attacks without Dread; 231 - 257 - 241 - 206 - 199 - 222 - 257 - 241 - 192 ==> 227 average
Maxim's attacks with Dread (-67 DFP on average); 247 - 248 - 229 - 250 - 263 ==> 247 average
These are small samples but I think it's obvious there's a difference. Trick seems to give a better increase in damage output but since it only affects one member, it's probably not the best option.
Maxim's attacks without Dread; 231 - 257 - 241 - 206 - 199 - 222 - 257 - 241 - 192 ==> 227 average
Maxim's attacks with Dread (-67 DFP on average); 247 - 248 - 229 - 250 - 263 ==> 247 average
These are small samples but I think it's obvious there's a difference. Trick seems to give a better increase in damage output but since it only affects one member, it's probably not the best option.