Why does Fox specify to fix the lever in an upright position, on a Rhythm 34 fork that uses a Through-Axle? I vaguely remember that "conventional wisdom" states that closed QR levers on MTB forks should point towards the back of the bike (see Which direction should QR lever point? or What is the proper position for quick-release levers?). However, I just saw that Fox
 specifies something different from the anwers to these questions in the manual of the Rhythm 34 thru-axle fork: "The closed lever position must be between 1-20 mm in front of the fork leg.", i.e. like this:



Out of curiosity: Why is this so? Would it be harmful in any way if I ride with the lever pointing backwards instead of upwards?

Source (image and quote): Fox manual https://www.ridefox.com/dl/bike/605-00-136-34-Tuning-Guide-revC.pdf
Most likely the manual writing team knew they had to specify a 'safe' QR position so the company would be covered legally. In consultations with the engineering and legal team they decided that in front of the fork leg was the safest position, or at least the position that a company lawyer could defend as the safest position in the case of a lawsuit.