I always thougth the point of those cages was to keep the wheel in its steady angle, but it seems it's rather the opposite -- to spread the angle around. I thin

I always thougth the point of those cages was to keep the wheel in its steady angle, but it seems it's rather the opposite -- to spread the angle around. I think you're observation is right, and I suppose that's the compromise. If it's a good compromise is besides the point I guess, as with mechanical watches in general.