I switched back to the 172.5mm Sugino messengers today to compare. There seems to be more of a pedal strike issue with the 172.5's than the Dura Ace 175mm because the DA cranks have a narrower Q factor. The inside of the crank arm on the DA is almost touching the chain where as the crank on the messenger is a good 1/2 " or more from the chain.

I think this is a correct assumption. Tell me if I am wrong.

Also does it make any difference in acceleration with 144 bcd on the DA as opposed to 130 bcd on the messenger?

I know I am over thinking it...