New datasets often have column widths that are too narrow or too wide. It is possible to get and change the widths, using the views API (e.g., https://data.cityofchicago.org/api/views/ydr8-5enu). This raises the possibility of creating a tool to set widths for a new dataset.
Setting the widths probably is not that hard. The more challenging part of this idea would be figuring out what the widths should be. This is a function both of the column name and the longest value, as well as some subjective preferences about whether either needs to be fully displayed or if more columns, but truncated, are a better use of screen width. However, any solution need not be perfect. If it does a pretty good job so that it cuts the manual adjustments necessary, that is still of value.
Our best (really crude) formula so far is:
Width = (4.7 * Number of Characters in Column Name) + 127
We are happy to share more information with anyone who cares to take on this project.