Yeah, there is "proof" that with our model airplanes, anything works. Or more often than not, if anything works ok it's proof of something. So it's not strange that thicker flaps work and that thinner flaps work.

Al Rabe was developing his P-51 and then BearCat stunters. He not only did a bunch of airfoil work, but came up with a number of innovations. His working rudder for C/L stunters was a shocker. It not only deflected more to contribute additional line tension to deal with P-effect, it deflected less to deal with the same. Al was an airline pilot who also did odd jobs delivering restored and rejuvenated P-51 Mustangs to their owners. Did he have a tough life or what. His Bearcat really proved the impossible was possible.

BTW, Al was one who would say that if you thought your idea/change/design worked, then it did. He was right.