There is certainly nothing wrong with the 'forward' kitchen, there are a lot of people that like it and have bought it.
My thoughts are the same as Ivylog, the front seats are not part of the living area. Also, we find ourselves looking out the big front window when sitting in the living room. (Our driver and passenger seats are not part of the living room seating either because they sit two steps down lower than the 'salon').
In some cases, you might be facing a lake or other type of nice view. If you have the center living room, you can't take as much advantage as you are more in the middle.
We are probably the rare people that like the TV up front at the driver area. We have two sofa's facing each other and we can lie down, stretch our feet out on the sofa and enjoy the TV.
But, you pick what YOU like and will enjoy.
Safe travels,
MM.