Bonneville: A fatter heavier.. less prone to failure of wheel hub car. I like your thoughts... the 92-99 or previous wheel bearing design failed much less than the 2000+ (which looks a lot like the W body).

Geometry, undoubtedly.

Torque: I'm with you. Knowing that most hubs put on by a mechanic (or me) are Goodntited and the lack of problems experienced on the majority (non W body) do lead me to the same conclusion. As well as understanding of how the hub/torque etc is used.