There were plenty of factory bikes with 128mm spacing to work OK with older 126mm or the very-new-at-the-time 130mm spacing. Note that you're talking spreading/squeezing 2mm total, and by that time those bikes were sold new with cassette hubs, and cassette hub axles are more resistant to breaking than freewheel hub axles.
More than 2mm spread total, especially with a freewheel hub, you're better off cold-setting and realigning the dropouts. Doesn't mean the entire rear end will asplode if you don't, but it will minimize the chances of damaging the frame, axle and/or bearings.
It's also nicer being able to remove/install the rear wheel without having to monkey with the stays. Especially when you're late, or in a hurry, or have a flat when it's cold/wet/etc out.
Frankly, I wouldn’t use a freewheel hub on anything. I’ve broken far too many freewheel axles and I’ve worked on too many broken freewheel axles to trust them.