I understand what your saying, the other structures around the center electrode may interfere with the flame "kernel", In my saw's case it may be just the fact of a new plug made it run better. In my haste to post I might have overstated the plug's benefits. Several companies make special washers for plug degreeing. I've always read that ultimately the gap of the plug should face out into the cylinder or towards the intake valve to take advantage of the swirl affect around the intake valves