No it doesn't completely level the playing field, but at the very least it makes the minnows able to hit the ball once in awhile instead of simply sitting on the bleachers forever.
It does allow the minnows to be able to increase their reputation at the very least.
Yea, there are definitely non-payout benefits:
In regards to payout, it may allow them to hit the ball, but at the same time, it keeps pushing first base farther and farther away.