Hope this helps. If anyone feels I am wrong, please let me know.
Sitting facing Aft is actually safer. However pax prefer to sit facing the way they are travelling. Plus the crew are then able to watch pax, and make sure they are safely strapped in.
Window blinds open to allow crew to watch outside. For the likes of engine fires, or hazards preventing a door from being opened for evacuation.
Crew sitting in row 1 is probably the crew making sure they have a comfy seat for their break. Probably not a management decision