Run the risk of being eliminated in playing with someone who has chips you or play against someone who will not eliminate you, but can steal a good amount of your stack.
I like to play against someone with a small stack as I believe I am in a stronger position. With most players (and I would try to get a read on the player with the small stack), I would be able to quickly evaluate their hand with just a small bet. If the call (or raise), they know they are gambling all there chips and usually only continue if they have made a hand or have a good draw.