As to why the (OK) thrust levers are off-center in the 7(5/6/7)7, this is because there is only one trim control, meaning an odd (5) number of controls to center on the pedestal. Thrust levers had to be offset one way or the other (as to why right, in a PM/PF situation, whose hand is most often on the levers? - EDIT: or as Piper19 says, mechanical requirements)
On the 737, stab. trim is a dual wheel on both sides of the pedestal, making centering easy
Tr - Sb - Th - Th - F - Tr
On the 787 (as I understand it) stab. trim is now off the main part of the pedestal altogether, in the little well behind the captain's wrist rest (balanced by the Alt. Flaps switches of the FO's side), also making centering easy.
Sb - Th - Th - F
Tr - --- - --- - AF
Last edited by pattern_is_full; 28th Apr 2013 at 23:28.