The 3 metal can be a fantastic weapon on the tee box. In fact, many players actually hit the 3 farther than their driver on average. This happens for many reasons:
Shorter shaft = center face contact
More loft = less side spin
More loft = more carry distance for lower club speed
I think the smaller head may give players more focus; maybe that’s why they hit it flush more often. Better players tend to go to the 3 metal when they need to play a draw shot. It is much easier to “turn over” a lofted fairway metal than a low lifted driver.
All that being said, most players would benefit hugely with more loft on the driver!