The MAFAC arms are connected directly to the seatstays, not to a plate. The studs are positioned close to where the stays connect to the seattube. I think it is a more rigid setup than when you place the studs somewhere halfway the stays. Vittorio also had specific 'Randonneur' models with a double pair of seatstays. I had one. That bike also had a 48h tandem hub. Very heavy duty, but also a bit heavy. The purpose of this 'Strada' randonneur is light weight touring. It is a very fast bike.