Motioned.....second....all in favor? Aye.

I have to agree, especially in the beginner's forum. My first engine was a rear-needle and I am very thankful for that. I was going to say it give you the opportunity to get more comfortable around the running engine, but you should never get too comfortable. Maybe it's better to say it gives you some space to learn safe habits before you have to put your hands 1.5 inches from something that can take your fingers off.

Rear needles will take a second longer to affect the engine, so if you make an adjustment and do the pinch test or tach your engine, just wait an extra second.

Have had no problems with the rear needle. My engines now come with a forward needle that is angled back; sort of the best of both worlds.