Chimbu,
I actually didn't need to go deep into the reasons why it was being started from the front, the reason became clear after my first thought...and it was a fleeting one
I understand the bit about magneto access, and it not being a problem with someone in the cockpit like in the ryan pic.
Issue with a tail dragger, risk of taking out kneecaps.....so why would you do it?
Second thought, after i looked again.....take another look at the Ryan pic...
Fried nuts anyone.....