""Makes no sense."
Neither does your argument on this point.  Where is it you find people in the congregation facing in various directions?  That's what is a ridiculous argument.  I have been in many churches/chapels that also have the pews arranged in wings to each side of the altar (but not behind) so that the focus is kept on the liturgical action on the altar and not a compass point.  SC was very clear about that.  You seem to ignore the full content and meaning of SC.