Thanks for the replies, especially the photos. Much appreciated. I wasnt ready for a third option though!! Haha
The only reason i hadnt considered that is that i was keen to run my probes through the vent holes, which would be pretty inconvenient if that was at the front.
So i like how the kettle looks with vent to the left and lid handle running left to right. But i was told its not great to have the fire directly against the bases handle, which i would that way. Vent at the back would avoid that, lid handle running front to back looks a bit odd. And yes id have to reach over coal but once the meat was at the back there would be a minimum of need. Most of the fiddly hands on work would be searing at the front...
Will see how we go.. can always change it and plug up the holes if i dont like the way it works i guess.