Originally Posted by
FlyerInOKC
The splaying out is to absorb the impact of a too firm landing to prevent damage. Make the gear to rigid and something else absorbs the energy either by breaking or tearing out the gear or at the least by some serious bouncing and possible flipping of the aircraft. Just my 2 cents.
^this^ Its built in suspension, however, a few too many said hard landings eventually will cause a permanent splay, at which point it calls for replacing the gear.