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Not sure it makes much difference toward the issue you’re referring to, but I have definitely found that a wider nut size is better for me. My Seagull acoustics both have a 1.8″ nut, whereas my Taylor GS Mini has a 1.7″ one – that’s pretty close to an eighth of an inch difference. For fingerstyle learning especially, I find it very difficult to avoid string buzz from my fingers touching adjacent strings unintentionally (being an easily annoyed type by nature, this drives me crazy, alas!)
Regarding the G chord (and it would be the same for others like E, Em, Am), I don’t think you can avoid having one finger further back from the fret (not with my fingers, anyway). It shouldn’t cause problems if you keep a firm grip on the strings. I tend to play the G with a 3 finger position – middle on 2nd fret A, ring 3rd fret E, pinky 3rd fret e – which makes the very common transition to C much easier. The 4 finger position is also very useful, though, so it’s good to practice both of them.
Welcome to TAC and best of luck with your guitar journey! It’s great that you’re jumping into the forums, there are many very helpful and friendly folks who visit them regularly!