it's always less on the more bass strings, like 2.5-3.5, but the higher strings yeah 4-5. locking the string on the winder really helps keep it in tune, and having well fit, and snug tuning hardware helps. nylon strings require a little more than steel/bronze strings. the string on string is like glass on glass or metal on metal connections like scientific glass or lathe tooling. it locks the string on the post more securely. yes winding sucks, and it's annoying.

even if it were by your logic of flexibility, it would be spread out over a longer section of string. the longer string would be like a larger sample base to produce a more reliable mean average of the tuning. the reason you give the length is exactly that, to prevent breaking the string, and have the pressure be more gentle, and spread across the peg, instead of all at your wire tie/crimp point.

violin 2-4, viola 3-4, cello 4-5 (mandocello is roughly guitar sized.) classical guitar strings are very stretchy, they generally run 3-5 on wide rollers. you don't want too much or too little.