Flathead breathing

[Deuce Man]

I know you guys will probably say that I have too much time on my hands, but here is what is on my mind. In reading Verns flathead book, and admiring the beautiful metal sculpturing they do with the intake and exhaust ports, I got to thinking that the valve/open area at full lift, is only about one half the open area of the port runners. Is this on purpose or is it a design limitation of our beloved motors? Do a little math and see if you guys come up with the same figures as I do. Thanks Rich