I find the standard layout interesting. (Yes, I'm really that dull!) The RAF standard panel was the first serious attempt to improve the standards of IF and all RAF aircraft in WW2 had the same layout - the advantage being that the selective radial scan led to more effective and accurate flying with the scan centered on the central AI and that pilots could transition from type to type with few problems. American aircraft through WW2 had the instruments seemingly placed at random.
The standard T pattern arrived in the mid 1950s, probably because it was a more logical pattern which made the scan easier. The peason for having the Alt, DI and VSI on the bottom in the original panel was that the early AI's used to topple easily and the scan without it was effective using the DI as the central reference with the Alt and VSI either side. The Sperry Mk1a used to topple at about 50 degrees of pitch and 85 degrees of roll and no fast erect function. Once toppled, they took up to 15 miuntes to re-errect, so after any manoevreing, limited panel flying skills were a definite advantage. AIs with better limits meant the panel could be improved to the T.