The .060" and .080" gaps were needed because of the extremely lean mixtures they were trying to run in the late 1970's. Cadillacs in particular would develop an intermittent miss at .045", and run right at .080". There was a better chance of a little bit of fuel ending up between the plug electrodes with a wide gap. They finally richened up the mixture and reduced the plug gap in the late 80's.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!