Thank you very much!

Someone once told me that unless the wires on the V brakes are at a perfect 90-degree angle from
each other then it can be dangerous. Is that correct? If I have a little bit of play I'll let some cable out. I already tried the "short" setup with the washers.

Also, I'm thinking about buying fat tires for my cyclocross bike. Seems like you are saying that even fat tires, like going from a 37 from a 27, will have the same or a comparable size rim? I had assumed that the rim size would increase proportionally.

Perhaps my problems are solved...