My understanding for the historic reasons of the American vernacular frame were that it was related to the size of timbers available. Over-foresting in Europe had led to smaller trees and a shortage of very long timbers. Furthermore, (in the UK at least) the navy co-opted all long timbers for mast production and oak for boat building.

The European short-timbered style was a consequence of the available wood (see old cruck-framed buildings for examples of the frames using longer timbers) more than any chosen "style".

Just my take as a Brit, living in France.