Couldn’t another reason why big arms are important to bodybuilding be perspective? Michelangelo’s David, upon close examination, is not proportional however, Michelangelo considered the perspective from where he would be viewed (it was originally supposed to be placed on a roof).
This is one of those blanket statements that hold true for some and not for others. Some people, especially fat people, have a strong set of abs under their belly fat. But lots of skinny, weak people hear this and diet down to an emaciated skeleton only to find that they have a very unimpressive set of abs - some still can’t see their abs even at low bodyfat percentages because they’re so small.
Abs need to be hypertrophied like anything else if they are to be impressive looking.
I agree, but my point was if you want visible abs you have to reduce your belly fat and imo that should start with healthy eating