Originally Posted by Wordbiker

About the only valid reason I've heard is for quick wheel changes by neutral support mechanics during road events. It's not that one way is better than another, it's just more consistent and it's easier to deal with when you're used to them being a certain way. Considering there could be traffic involved, you don't want to be out there any longer than you have to, nor does the rider want a delay while you struggle with flipping a wheel or finding the lever.

But yeah...it's mostly just tradition. I used to run mine "MTB style" with both levers pointing to the rear of the bike to prevent them being opened by branches. I was "corrected", so now on road bikes I run the rear skewer lever between the chain and seatstays. Anything else and their OCD starts kicking in causing them to twitch like mad.