You'd have to ask Yale that question.The question is, why have they designed them like this? It's hardly what you'd call progress?
Yeah the horizontal thing is strange, I assume it serves some (security or longevity) purpose as opposed to being purely cosmetic.
I'll see how the user goes and if need be will swap it out for one that's easier.I tried this type of key in a locksmith's shop and rejected it for this very reason.
I don't have any issues with the Avocet being horizontal, but I know some others do.