first off, do I think it's a Fad, it was back in the late 90's early 2000's, yeah its come and gone.
Pros, hooked up great on hard pack, the tire had a larger footprint
Cons, heavier bigger than a 21" so they didn't like ruts very well.
Today, I don't think there are many manuf. making tires or at least advancing the technology. If you want a bigger footprint look for one of the newer fronts, there are some larger than the conventional that should accomplish the same thing.
IMO, if they were such a great thing, every bike out there would have one.