I think this question has been around for a lot earlier then 2005. Working for an employer who was a B757 operator, attended briefing by Boeing pending our intoduction of B767, circa 1989, the question was asked, why does the 767 gear tilt forward? We were treated to a somewhat long BS explantion of softer touchdown and other clever reasons, the presenter was rather flummoxed to be asked why then does 757 tilt rearwards? (both types designed about the same time)
The answer most definitley as Check Airman almost stated is " so it fits in gear bay" nothing more nothing less. All the tilt actuators; gear shortening tricks etc on various types boils down to same. Bristol Britannia? Canadair CL44? anyone?