There seems to be enough evidence that even turn of the century American guns were made with high comb dimensions when special ordered that way by the buyer. The Brits seem to have had high comb dimensions as a norm for well before the turn of the century.
I can see how/why a low comb may have been desireable in the day. I can also imagine that, while it may not have contributed to the most consistant mount, it could still perpetuate in the industry. Many sporting techniques change over the years. How about the way Dick Fosbury did his High Jump? How about the current technique of Ski Jumping with the legs spread? It wasn't that long ago that they kept them together, parallel. Simlarly, the open fingers in swimming competition. Technique and equipment progress is normal.
Me? I prefer a middle of the road drop. 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 works well for me. Very typical of a post WW2 American gun. Some of the extreme modern shooters are using 1 1/4 or less DAC x 2" or less at the heel.
