Use of wheel spacers

I have a question regarding the use of wheel spacers on 911s. It surprises me to find the use of them fairly widespread. I would think that you'd adversely effect your bearing life as well as negatively effecting your front end geometry, specifically scrub radius. Is there something I'm missing, or is our beloved 911 robust enough to withstand their usage? I gather their intended purpose is to push the wheel out as close to the fender lip as possible? Looking for opinions...

When I first began looking at widebodies I also couldn't believe these cars used spacers and that 930s came stock with them. This is a very cheap, cheesy way to do things. However, it does make fitting aftermarket wheels a bunch easier. Wheels with extreme offset (big fenders) probably do shorten bearing life but who cares, most don't drive the cars that much anyway. Another point (this is gonna get me in trouble) is 911s and 930's don't put out enough torque to make this a safety issue. You wouldn't even think about using spacers in a high output V8 american car. I have seen first hand the damage this can cause and keep the sheered off studs as a reminder.

I was also surprised to find this is common practice. My car (a replica 3.0 RS fitted with a new 2.8 RS lightweight engine) will shortly be receiving a set of spacers, I drive it hard every day and am intending to do plenty of track work with it. But it looks decidedly 'under-wheeled' with the standard offsets. I've had the okay for the spacers from Bob Watson, who has virtually spent his life racing and preparing for race 911s of every shape and description. I have every confidence in his advice, and his abilities - he's just built me a really sweet new engine!

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Neil Barnden
74 Carrera 3.0 RS