Plug readers

Stock heads or aluminum? Reason I ask is that I have the stealth440 heads and used their recommended plugs which had the 3/4 long threads and they always looked like the example you provided. Went to a hotter plug which has the 1" long threads and they looked 100% better with no carb or timing changes. Conclusion is the plugs were hidden in threaded shaft instead being exposed at the end of thread shaft.
They’re cast 915 with mild porting and polished chambers. Trying to find a step up in the heat range right now.