What about port matching?

[nw_guy4_fun]

what were the engineers thinking when they designed the heads in particular the ports

Good question and simple answers

• Meet tailpipe emission standards
• Meet federal noise regulations
• Provide an engine package that would meet or exceed warranty requirements
• Design head/ports that provide adequate airflow and cooling for a stock 96 or 103" motor used in daily service
• Use heads with "as-cast" ports with +or- .040" allowable core shift

Simpler answer
Ger er done (half done HD really) then up sell performance later