Spamcan...
You might find "TW" 1930s style... However, excepting the RV-10/12, RV's are basically TW designs. The -A version is a "bolt on modification"...
Taking your analogy further, how many airliners and other types use a "pole vault" arrangement for the NW? The RV -A types require this because there is no structure forward of the firewall capable of taking the NW, hence the angled leg coming back to firewall / rear of the engine mount.
Try
http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/2006/RV_Study.pdf
NoD