The problem I find with vented motors is small metalic bits of rocks end up stuck to the magnets. This probably isn't as big a problem in a brushless motor as the magnets spin and all the crud will get thrown off. Still can cause problems though. The vented and fan motors are designed to be used in non dusty environments. RC cars is not one of them.
That is a sweet design on the big maximums. I didn't know about that.
I tend to agree that the holes are left overs from the aircraft/heli motor design and was for addtional cooling. For offroad use the holes seem to be a liability, allowing dirt/rocks/metal particles into the can which would be bad.