Edges - overhanging vs. flush

[Thomas Erickson]

Not something I've seen discussed before, at least specifically - I'm wondering what people are thinking about the pros and cons of either configuration. Of course we could be talking about basses that are/were made in such a manner, or about old instruments that just don't have any edges left I suppose!

Personally I like the aesthetic of flush joined ribs/edges, at least on certain styles of instruments, but I go back and forth on whether overhanging edges are more likely to help preserve the plates, or (as with violin corners) more likely to be a liability; clearly the majority of thinking is that overhanging is better, but I don't know for sure why - practical or just tradition? Thoughts?