There are very good reasons for performing the touchplate probe in this direction. Charley already posted a great explanation as to why this approach was taken, it can be read here:
I can assure you that once you adjust down to the 125 rate (which the new Firmware last night 1.0.5 changed by default) the probing backwards has a ton of benefits. In my world I can give you one that personally has saved me $100’s. If you use the dust boot sometimes when the router goes low it can remove the magnet from the router shaft. In this case there is no complete circuit when contact with the TP happens. If you are using a thin bit it will push the touchplate away from your work and save the bit. If you press into your work that is secured down, snap and there goes a $35 bit.
IMO doing it in reverse was a genius decision/implementation.
-Alex