Recall that the filter media is not "open ended" on the back side like an air filter, there is only the differential pressure acting on the media - which is likely ~ 2-3 psig. There may be a greater differential at initial startup, and with viscous, cold oil, that could possibly and very probably tear fragile paper-glass composite media at a high stress point - where it is bonded to the end cap(s).That's due to lack of understanding & it's good that you're asking questions to learn. The evenness is going to help trap & hold debris for one. Go too far out & it'll put more pressure on the uneven pleats causing a tear. The filter media is constructed the way it is to help w/these things. IMO it has more to do with performance than with aesthetics alone. That being said when you're paying good money for a premium filter that's what you want to see. Seems reasonable to me. This filter media looks uneven all the way around.
We have seen this on c&p photos on this forum and I have experienced it across a cold Winter in the Northeast - surprisingly with a very expensive, oversized Honda (Filtech) spin on spec'd for the S2000 (but fits most Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia)