Some 40+ years ago, the US CPSC conducted serious tests on spokes and nipples as part of the formulation of the first standards relating to bicycles. Back then short spoking was SOP by many of the US manufacturers, and after the standards were in place, the bulk of short spoked wheels with brass nipples failed, while full length (2mm+ in head) passed with no issues.

It ws assumed that the major US makers would then abandon their poor practices, but they found an easier solution. They substituted long steel nipples, and these had the structural strength to pass regardless of the amount of spoke engagement, leaving them free to short spoke to their hearts' content.