You're welcome! Into the ironic-sphere!
I remember maybe md-70's when big loop cables "made the brakes work better" but that was before lined casings.
There's a lot to be said for building a bike with a contemporary look.
I also remember having my seat tipped with the rear about 2" above the nose because it let us "push back" on it during sprints.
I still see that on CL bikes occasionally.
4" of rise on the casing above the bars seems to work for me now.