One thing one sometimes encounters with the high flange hubs when used with
the bladed spokes that seemed to come into some popularity in the early '70
is that the holes in the flanges were sometimes not large enough to
accommodate the bladed spokes. When someone enlarges these holes I have
seen this lead to failure and a crack appears on the rear hub on the drive
side. I doubt one will run into this very often and perhaps is a concern
only with the older bladed spokes.
Otherwise, I'd say just set back and enjoy the looks of the high flanged
hubs...one of the more attractive component designs in bicycling.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi USA