In a live recording, there is a lot of echo and reverb, so doing this (separating a copy of the original track by a fraction of a second and panning them opposite one another) creates a fairly natural sounding stereo effect.
Then with two mics used that were aimed at opposite directions, it sounds even more natural to use this technique with just the two sources, I think.
What is the consensus on this? At first listen, I have to say it sounds fuller and better, but I have to think there's a reason this isn't done more commonly (from what I've assumed in listening to other recordings). Tell me why I'm retarded for thinking this might be a good idea or how to best use this method.