[stevemac00]

I think you're both correct. In rolly conditions the pole could be whipping with some good velocity to cause air disruptions several feet away. But offsetting the pole three feet would make minimal difference. Additionally, offsetting the pole will cause disruptions at one point of sail when beating to wind.

I think the reason most sailors offset the pole is to avoid the mast shadow dead on and the keep the radio waves further from the helmsman.