Tuning is definitely taken too lightly and often rushed to "get it in the air", usually for short flights.[] Can't say it is cylinder orientation as much as how it is set up, fueled, and tuned. I see guys constantly fiddling with their engines way too much.

Personally, I do care about looks, being a scale builder, and so most of my engines get mounted inverted. Including 2 stroke, 4 stroke, nitro, and gas. All run fine with no issues when adjusted properly, and none of the glow engines ever require on-board glow. Don't let guys who don't know how to install or adjust an engine convince you otherwise.