The primary issue with opening to the front is that the AT Habitat uses externally mounted pressurized gas strut(s) to assist lifting to open and to reduce it from flopping down once opened past 90 degrees. The flippak type camper tops used a torsion bar in the hinge point but it was heavy and often failed. Not sure how Ursa Minor does the J180 version for the jeep jku?
This gas cylinder / strut has to be mounted at an angle by the hinge on the side of the vehicle - which, if it opened to the front, would interfere with the front doors from being able to be opened. I suppose it could be removeable and then put in place only while opening and closing though.
The benefit of opening towards the back is it provides a built in awning cover. The downside to me is it doesn't allow for any roof mounted items such as kayak or bike racks without becoming head bangers.
The benefit of opening over the hood is that you can have kayak holders etc. mounted on the roof - but you have to unload the roof before opening.
The benefit of the J30 style (angled) is that it can be opened with kayaks etc. on the roof and also is ideal for having solar panels mounted on it as well.