Man I love those nights so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face. Calm water with minimal fire, and big fish just crushing poppers, right up to the rod tip. What a rush as all your other senses kick in !
"You think that reason no longer exists, or have we just forgotten why?"
I think part of the reason for the larger plugs was because the saltwater fishing gear typically being used at the time could not cast lighter payloads well. Maybe someone who's tried using the older surfcasting gear can comment...