Aerial drop wire much smaller than panel wire

[mlarson (Michael Larson, WI Lic. # 1672-106)]

Jim Port answered you concern in the link you posted

@Jim_Port

This is quite typical as the utilities do not use the NEC tables to size their wires.

The conductors have different insulation ratings and can radiate heat better by being in free air.

It is quite common for the overheads not even to be upgraded when a service increase is done.