Reverse front/rear brake?
 

Some recommend to reverse your front and rear brakes (so that the left lever operates the rear). But in my short career as a cyclocrosser (2 races) I haven't really had problems with the regular setup. I believe I am pretty good at modulating the front, and as you know from motorized vehicles, the front brake is your best friend (it's more effective and doesn't skid as easily...when your rear wheel(s) lose grip, then you're really in trouble). Plus it is safer if all my bikes are the same. Plus, I don't think Simon Burney mentions anything about reversing the brakes.

What percentage of top crossers go reversed? What decides their preference? What do you do, and why?

So-ren

My brakes are reversed. Although I don't like to brake while dismounting, there are times when I like having that option. And when that happens, I like my hand [left hand] to be on the rear brake. I endoed a couple of times before I reversed.

When coming into high speed dismounts, I find the reversed levers really good to scrub speed as you're coming into the barrier.

It's easy to lock the front wheel when you have no weight on the bike and kick up the rear wheel- which will slow you down.

Not everyone does it so it's just how comfortable you feel with your setup.

Our bikes here have them reversed (to yours) as standard, (riding on the left & suchlike), that's probably why Simon Burney doesn't mention it. An oversight perhaps.

I use reversed brakes and most of the time its not necessary. In fact I still get confused sometimes and lock up the back brake at the wrong times. But in a race where you have a high speed barrier it makes the dismount faster and easier to dismount and brake at the same time. So if you're looking to go as fast as you can at cross then reverse your brakes. If you want to keep it simple then keep it the same as your road bike.