Why does the speed tape on the Lockheed U-2 go the opposite way? I found this clip online that shows the speed tape on the Lockheed U-2 going what I perceive is the opposite direction to the 'normal' convention. On most aircraft, the higher values are above and so the tape scrolls downwards, but in this case it is mirrored.

Observe indicator on left for the first few seconds in the following clip:


                
             

Here's a photo as well from a french forum, actual source unknown:



Why do this? On every aircraft I can think of it is the opposite.

Is it the fact that you pitch down, speed increases? Then you got the speed/altitude indicators moving in different directions, so I don't see how that would make it any more clear, especially when it appears it's the only aircraft doing this.
In essence, you are correct.
It was a conscious decision to do it that way:
- when the nose pitches up, you're "pitching" toward the slower airspeed on the tape...
- and you're pitching toward the higher altitude on the altitude tape.

My question:  why do most aircraft have the higher speed near the top of the tape?  Is it "just because the altitude tape does it that way"?  Or is there a better reason.  

Having flown the U-2 with the glass cockpit for over 10 years, it is intuitive and is "normal" for me to see that.