Trekcommuter, check out this article about wider tires and speed. (Wider supple tires that is)
https://www.renehersecycles.com/12-myths-in-cycling-1-wider-tires-are-slower/
my personal experience confirms the findings in this article. I've down informal roll down tests with a friend while riding.
me at 135lbs on 50mm Supremes (45 on my rims) on 26 inch wheels
him at 200lbs on 32mm stiff continental touring tires, 700 wheels
and we have equal or even me faster a bit roll down experiences
even with slight factors probably there like his hubs being cheap, improperly adjusted stuff, it's still a good example.
and I know my bike is more comfortable and faster over any rough roads also.
I know you won't believe it until you directly try and compare wider, nice rolling tires, but it is true.
As said in article, more comfort also equals less rider getting beat up equals more energy at end of day.