Looks like pretty thin metal supporting the crank throws. Which is where it broke in the photo, one of the supports for the throws broke. This does look like, had they gone with just 3 bearings, the supports could have been more beefy. The downside would be a heavier crank though; and some of that weight would have been at the throws, which I'd think would make for more NVH.
Planes are a bit different though, a bit more NVH is ok as long as the crank doesn't shatter due to a bit of pinging. Quick throttle response probably isn't high on the list either.
Have to think though, that crank was not in a stock motor. Lots of Subaru's running around; and they usually die for something else (heads, turbo, rust, general wear and neglect).