While we think of the tightening nuts as being on the "bottom" of the mounts, I think Ludwig considered them to be on the "inside" facing the player. The idea was probably to allow the player to adjust positioning while seated. I like your idea better as we're usually standing while setting up our hardware.

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Ludwig has always put their (our) wing nuts and set screws in odd positions. I think I've turned around (when possible) something on every Ludwig kit I've owned for that very reason.

I had an epiphany once. A couple swallows of Pepto Bismol and I was great!

I did what you did to my clubdate kit a couple of months ago. I'm still so used to the original way that I keep setting it up the old way and then right before we're ready to start playing I discover that the tom is upside down and have to switch it quick. It's a "DUH" moment for me.

I always figured it to be a stylized decision. Streamlining the set by hiding the wing screws and nuts. Also the double Tom mount bracket on a Hollywood set is in the middle of the bass drum. I don't think they intended the toms to be positioned back toward the drummer. The badge placement and tone control (on keystone sets) also speak volumes on how Ludwig intended us to position the drums.