Thread drift, sorry...
Propeller position:
Mine is deliberately positioned as seen, to make most easy (and safe) hand propping, should it ever be necessary. The position of the propeller allows it to pass through the top of the compression stroke at the optimum position of my hand (about 10 o'clock). Having your hand below the 8 o'clock, or really any other position, is comparitively unsafe.
The only negative of this position is that if parked in a crowded ramp, there is a slight chance that a passing high wing might hit it, but that's fairly low on the "likely" scale for me.
Some props are keyed to only two positions on the crankshaft, so position would not be a choice. The O-200 is not arranged this way though.
Were it to be a wood prop, this would be a poor way to orient it. The low blade can absorb water, that affects the balance. Wood props are best horizontal.
As for the actual subject of the thread, which is certainly worthy of attention...
I support the idea of students being cautiously mentored in poor weather, just to learn how scary it can be. Similarly with strong winds, though that is a skill which really should be mastered. When you actually experience flying in "Special VFR" conditions, you quickly realize that you'd best have everything else going your way, so better plan for it!
My extensive experience as a visitor in the UK (happily, to occur again next week) reminds me that I don't visit to enjoy the weather! I delight in the number of days I can fly here, without weather being a concern. the odd stretch of a few days where I cannot fly, reminds me to think a kind thought for those, for whom poor weather is more a common event. Stick with it....