The underlying and undeniable scientific principle involved is ... What is gained in force is lost in distance. Newton's Laws.
181.5 is 10% more than 165. Me with the long crank will do 90 revs for your 100. Our TOES will be going EXACTLY the same speed along our respective circumference of motion. My knees will be pushing at 10% less weight than you. So I don't see how knee strain is a factor. I can see how high revs do help in high speed applications.