I think that termination technique is at least as important as torque.
For example, I have been in the habit of 'untwisting' the strands of some larger cables (tails) when terminating as I reasoned that the strands could then move freely to take up a minimum space in the terminal and be less prone to loosening.
There was a report about this a couple of years ago:
http://www.----------------------------/mediafile/100015987/Switched-On-24.pdf
See pages 14 and 15.
The original experimental report is here:
http://www.----------------------------/mediafile/100013801/Meter-Tail-Investigation-Report.pdf
I think that untwisting rather than 'flattening' is what matters. The group of strands will take up the shape of the terminal when tightened.
The technique is probably not of any use for small cables with fine strands in some large direct screw terminals, as the strands will just displace up the sides of the screw.