Have heard the newer location allows for a shorter throw gearchange although didn't notice this when I drove a recent car with the forward gearlever position. My car has original position.
On the RHD car with the new positioning that I was in the gearlever tended to knock the released handbrake, just enough to be slightly annoying. This might be a one off and someone else I spoke to with the arrangement didn't find it a problem.
There are arguments for both arrangements although it's also definitely true that it's earier to change gear with the later arrangement if you have a largish passenger. But for solo driving I prefer the original.
