Are you sure that when they are used on those "high end" sports cars, they aren't being used to correct the offset in order to use a particular aftermarket wheel design?
Hi Dnick, you are correct to a degree. Some do use wheel spacers to correct offsets for aftermarket wheels. Although Most buyers of aftermarket wheels pick Offsets that fit their needs, or the luxury cars most often buy 3 piece wheels that are custom made anyways direct to the specs of the customer.
Either way, I know I am new to this board, not very active since I registered, as my ridgeline was going to be more of an "addition" to the family. A Truck my wife would be more comfortable driving, but i have a bad habit of always modifying any vehicle i own

My Vehicle is a Audi RS4. I am no complete expert on car manufacturing and design, but have spent 10+ years on and off managing Automotive Performance Shops helping customers customize Audi, BMW, Porsche, and VW Vehicles.
I have used spacers on and off for 15+ years, never had any issues or major abnormal wear. Yes of course it won't offer the same tire wear as a complete factory set up.
I see you are pretty active on here with posting and appreciate your post to maybe help others with the decision on what they want for their ridgeline. I do know that a Wheel spacer is not going to cause anything major (within reason) - of course if someone tries to offset their wheels by a few inches, then they will seem some quicker than normal wear on their vehicle.
Have I had any issues? No, Have Countless 1000's of others who use spacers, no. Again, its just the Same as Someone going and buying a New Rim with a Deep Dish offset. They are pushing their stance wider.
Either way, again, its a love or hate relationship on this subject... with any type of vehicle. There are those who would never use them, those that never have but hate them, and those that have used them on vehicles their entire lives.
I love them when I need them. Eventually, when KMC comes out with their new wheels that you can design, customize, then order.. I will set up the same stance and order an offset so that I will have just the rim, and no more spacers needed.