I've been looking at M12 circular connectors for a project I'm working on (for example this one, drawing here), and I've noticed that many/all of them have stepped pins that create a 3mm or so offset/gap between the connector and PCB once soldered in place as per the datasheet/drawing. What is the reason for this?
A secondary question is, is there any reason not to make the holes in the PCB bigger to make the part flush, allowing for a stronger joint and higher rigidity without the gap? I've been looking around but can't find anything explaining why it's there.
