refresh rate means basically nothing in standard unless you play at ar11 because that's getting close to limit of human ability to read and you get that info on circle location a tiny fraction of a second sooner, but even then the difference won't make or break; there are some ar11 players playing on 60hz.
At lower ar there is absolutely no advantage. It's a placebo.
Who is your friend? You can probably spot the real reason you are better by investigating his History, play count, play history density, etc. If he played same amount but more sporadically he'd improve slower, if he has easier maps populating his most played, he'd be playing at a lower level, etc. (or if he's constantly playing stuff way too hard)
At lower ar there is absolutely no advantage. It's a placebo.
Who is your friend? You can probably spot the real reason you are better by investigating his History, play count, play history density, etc. If he played same amount but more sporadically he'd improve slower, if he has easier maps populating his most played, he'd be playing at a lower level, etc. (or if he's constantly playing stuff way too hard)