"I do kinda wonder why the left channel is physically on the right and vice-versa. Seems very backwards. You'd think you'd want the binding post for a given speaker to be as close as possible."

I believe its that way so when its set up, and the front is facing forward (in a rack, etc)-the Right binding post would be on the right (as you look at it)and the Left binding post would be on the left.

I know that this works nicely when you can't see the back of the Amp (in my case the 7500) and must make connections by feel (which I do often on my setup-no room behind rack).....
_________________________
Anthem MRX-500/ Outlaw 7500, Paradigm Studio 100's Fronts, Paradigm CC-590 Center, Phase Technology Dipole rears , Martin Logan Dynamo sub, Oppo BDP-103, DIRECTV H22-200 DVR HD receiver, Samsung PN60E8000 3D Plasma 60"
2nd System
B&K ST 202 Amp, Outlaw 990, Rotel RCD 1072CD, Yaqin CD 1 Tube Buffer, Apogee Centaur Minors, Phase Technology Model 10 Sub, Rotel RP-855 turntable, Panasonic DMP-BD30, DIRECTV H21-700 DVR HD receiver, Free Agent Home Theatre+, Vizio 40" LED