“Settling a class-action case I am one of the 4 lead plaintiffs. Lets say the case settles for $25 million. Do the original 4 people get compensated better than the “mass” off employees jumping on after its made public? How is it then figured? Do they get a higher % or just a flat payment for the extra time they put into it?”

That depends almost entirely on the terms of the contract you signed with the law firm representing you, and the terms of the settlement or award.