If the French gave up back-to-front throttles, they did so gradually and with a struggle, with a tilt at a halfway house in between. Our 1958 Jodel D120A (Wassmer-built) has a throttle mounted vertically on the instrument panel, "up" for throttle open, "down" for throttle closed.
It's rather enjoyable to fly with a club instructor for a check-ride, have him/her climb in and look round the cockpit, touch the lever with a frown and ask "what's that?"
Bent Wings are Best!
D120A