Uh, not ridiculous if you understand how spark plugs function.
In electrical theory, there is a phenomenon called quench, not related to c/chamber quench. When a spark is initiated from a metal surface, the surrounding metal which is colder tries to extinguish or quench the spark. By reducing the volume of metal, you reduce the chances of quenching; hence, fine wire electrodes [ Plat, Irid ]. This reduces misfires which is good for power, economy &...emissions.
There is a side benefit for smart thinking hot rodders: less arc over voltage is reqd with thinner electrodes. This means that you can increase your plug gap slightly without increasing the load on the ign system. Common sense tells us that the bigger the gap, the better the chance of ign.
