I agree. The only reason to have bigger wheels is to make room to fit bigger brakes. Lower profile tires do not necessarily handle better - just differently and with different compromises. For example: poorer ride quality, tramlining effect wandering all over the roads, poorer performance in rain, etc.
Let’s face it, the real reason some people like larger wheels is because it is a big part of the "rooster" syndrome where all sorts of gadgets and ornaments festoon the car – most of them comically non-functional. Just look at the idiotic proliferation of aftermarket coffee can exhaust tips, multi-level rear spoilers and pseudo-ground effect kits that are intended to scream "Look at me!!" in a pathetic appeal to the opposite sex. You could also add clear rear taillight lenses, “driving lights”, and thumpa thumpa sound systems to the list.
(Not that I'm opinionated or anything)
