Yep, That was the wisdom of the day way back when....Large flange for Track and time trials, the theory being that the wheels were more stiff with short spokes so energy transfer was better. Enhanced by tying and soldering LOL
Road wheels were small flange with longer spokes so "soaked up" the road vibration. Therefore I took part in "road racing" with small flange hubs and time trials with large flange.....OK on two different bikes.
On Kermesses I rode a "road" bike with TT wheels
On reflection probably total nonsense but large flange hubs do look sexy
I was recently talking to an old boy racer He was pretty good in his day and an exceptional hill climber. He said he changed to large flange hubs because he was regularly breaking spokes with small hubs. That cured it for him, shorter spoke, stronger wheel.
I mentioned my large flange Campag Nuovo Tipo to my wife with my daughter in the room, my wife almost fell off the sofa - i still don't really undertsand the 'other' reference - perhaps it is an age thing?