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The why, IMO, is based on a combination of three maxim/ norms:
1 base/ runner: 1 umpire
Bracket the runner(s): 1 umpire on either end of any possible play/ pickle
Lead runner is most important: one umpire HAS TO see/ be in optimal position to call plays/ events [tag-ups and touches, as well as bangers] on the lead runner.
With fewer than 4 umpires, positioning will always be a compromise.
2-man mech. puts BU in C with a runner on 2d or 3d only because it is the best compromise of the foregoing three principles. "Easiest for the umpires', sometimes refered to as "where the ball is most likely to go" is only a consideration in positioning BEFORE the ball is hit w/ R1/3, where, usually, the preference is for "B", as a attempt to pick R1 is much more common than a throw to get R3.
That said, I'm OK with, "because the f#@%ing book says so, and that's how we're doing it, OK?" with the "veterans".
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