Engine Hook and Launch Lug on Same Side? TIP

A question was posted on TRF about new Estes kits.
The Estes instructions have you line up the engine hook and launch lug on the same side.

Genzod posted the question:
"Why do they say in Estes kit instructions to put the lunch lug on the same line as the engine hook? Is it necessary? I'm guessing not I have not done it before w no problems, as long as the launch lug is in between two fins does it matter where the engine hook is located?" 
Genzod

Posts followed with many giving good reasons:
"Well, having the lug and hook lined up keeps the hook and the rod out of the way of the ignitor..."
Rex R

"I don't think the alignment of hook and lug matters. But I've found that having the hook aligned with a swept back fin, such as on an Alpha, makes it just a tad more difficult to get your fingers on the hook."
Plano Doug
Good point! Maybe engine hooks should be glued in place centered between two fins.

Genzod followed up with another post:
"Well you could have the hook on one side rod on another and the leads and igniter on another, still don't matter much"
Genzod

In the end, it could matter - if you've ever had your clips get caught on the extended engine hook:
"These new style hooks have a problem of snagging on the igniter wires, so keeping it as close to the rod and act as a standoff is the best way to handle that. If using that style motor hook I put it right on the launch lug line."
HammerZ2008

So Estes is suggesting putting the lug and engine hook in line for a good reason.
This puts the engine hook close to the rod, on the opposite side of where you would most likely  connect up the micro clips.
This may not eliminate the chance of the clips catching on the extended engine hooks, but it does lower the chance of it happening. 
Estes is trying to improve the chances of a good launch, especially for a first timer.
Most experienced flyers know to keep the clips away from the engine hook, but we've all had a rocket get hung up on the rod for the boost, delay and ejection - the entire "flight" sequence while still on the launcher.