actually the MIT site VALIDATES point discharge theory (sharp vs
blunt)

& is why spheres (bluntest of the blunt !) are the norm for such
displays,

"Charge builds up exponentially until at about 6000V a small spark
jumps between the two spheres in front of the meter."

source:

http://web.mit.edu/Edgerton/www/Kelvin.html


here comes Ivan, I'm off to the mainland.