Part 3857 patterned or not - Stud orientation

[Marc Giraudet]

I have a theory.
You have to remember that these are painted parts. It is common for the same "part" to be made in three different moulds.
One for solid colors.
One for transparent colors.
And one for parts that will get some sort of coating. Chrome plating or paint. That coating also have a thickness in real life.

I think this might explain why the regular, unpainted part have the logo aligned along the longer 32 stud edge, and the painted part could have the logo aligned along the 16 stud edge.

 Thanks for this explanation. New version for the plain baseplate with stud group rotated 90 uploaded.