[Gaz64]

Yes, you can run a wider gap, but higher compression doesn't need big gaps.
Big gaps are for stock lean burn engines so they don't misfire up to 5000 or so.

.035 -.040 is a good rule of thumb for a street engine.

The spark will jump at the shortest path to ground, wider gaps encourages crossfire, lead leakage, ignition coil failure etc.

Have a look at some racing engines, they run as small as .018.