I guess I need a refresher course in electricity, why would these 16 gauges be better than the 12 gauges wires i presently have?In this case gauge is not the whole story. Yes heavier gauge will allow more current to pass. How much current do you need? In the Nordost line they do use silver plated 99.99999% copper wires that are solid core but all separated unlike a stranded. Silver is a better conductor than copper. Those pc's are constructed using the micro mono filement technology which per Nordost makes each individual wire 80% suspended in air which is one of the best dielectrics. I'd be willing to guess your other pcs copper is not that pure. I do not understand Nordosts statement regarding the percentage of the speed of light. I will say as a nordost speaker cable owner that they are 'fast' cables. In fact yesterday I replaced my stock Rel sub cable with a nordost baseline cable and WOW what a difference. I know that has nothing to do with your questions but I am very impressed with its speed and most important I can hear decay in the deep bass notes that I never heard before.
That being said I personally was not very impressed with the pcs. I will admit I only gave them about an hour in my system. In time I will listen a little more critically for a longer time frame.
Last I agree with Raks and let your ears decide whether or not something sounds better to you. Specs are only part of the story provided by the manufacturer.