JustMe, a year or so back I did an Imax model with longer 1/2 wave radials and I also slanted them down.
Below is what I get using Eznec for an Imax, with no tuning device, but within reason for a bad match...I don't think a mismatch makes enough difference to worry about. However I will say these models are only general in nature as to what might happen, and would have to be tested in the real world...if we really wanted to know how this idea really works.
My Imax model is only 18' above the Earth, and I fixed these models to more like you suggest above. I made 3 models with horizontal radials equal 72", 108", and 204" or 17' feet like you suggest.
Then I slanted the radials down 70* degrees, and at 45* degrees in another 2 models to show what Eznec might predicts for your setup idea.
I also added the "source data" report (feed point match) so you might get an idea what is going on with the match you see in your setup with longer and slanted down radials.
If the base of your Imax is as I think you may be describing here...your antenna base is about net 22' feet above the ground, and the tip at near 40' feet. If I'm wrong my models are not setup exactly equal to what you have. Can you show me a picture with some added dimensions, and I'll try and get the models closer to your setup?
JustMe, there is a man in Houston, Tx, my location, that wrote an article in a popular radio Magazine years ago. Your idea is similar to his...and he made similar claims. I tried to talk to him back then, but he refused. I saw his Imax, but it was just a regular Imax with a regular looking GPK in his back yard...so I wondered about his report. He even went out to 5/8 wave with a single radial to prove a point.
So, I figured he just modeled the idea and did not test it in the real world. If I can find this work...I'll post it. However he was a draftsman and he posted his stuff on draft paper, and it is not very clear when copied.
Good luck...I'm sure some others might try this idea out...it does show some possibilities and maybe the angles this idea produces...are not really so bad for some DX conditions, but I'm not sure about very long range conditions.
