Bear in mind that both Dave and Jeff's cars are lowered. The 16" tires don't look nearly as good (IMO) on a non-lowered car. That's part of the question as well.

then maybe a 60 or 65 series 225? Instead of the 50. Not real sure how the whole height and width thing works yet.

No, it's not the overall height of the tire that's the problem - it's a visual thing. Almost an optical illusion. The shorter the sidewall (lower profile), the bigger the fender gap looks, even if it is really unchanged and the tire diameter is the same.