well i felt the opposite, it felt a little wrong it opening out into the dash. It just didnt seem right. I also couldnt see the left side of the car either up front.
Much nicer to use the headunit as the screen has something to lean against. feels like a touch screen again instead on having to support it with your fingers, and press with your thumb.
Switches isnt too much of an issue. I have forgotten and poked the screen a few times, but I just need to get in the habit of pressing close, then getting to the switches.