RE: why should down mean up?
If by some chanc eyou go to a ama chartered field and get some help learning to fly or are distressed and need someone to take over for you they other pilot will not be able to fly your plane if the elevator is reversed. I have been flying for years and have had to give control to another pilot due to circumstance such as uncontrollable sneezing fits and irritants getting in my eyes causing reduced visibilty. Just some food for thought.