Note that there is a big difference between military and civilian "crashworthy" requirements
... aside from the assumptions on how much armour or CBW protection the guy's wearing, both generally aim to have the crew not die. It's the certification which varies, not the requirement!
And as for the obstruction of windows ... too right! Try imagining what that handle look like upside down viewed from near the floor with estuary water and muck from the floor - in the dark.