No, didn't ask for them to be like that, I just asked for upright pockets, expecting them to be in the facing as I'd seen before.
Perhaps they forgot to put them on during the initial manufacture, and then added them after. [huh]
The traditional Aero options were either a top-opening pocket in the lining, or a G1 style pocket with the opening a vertical in the facing just inside. The one on this jacket is an approach I've never seen before - vertical opening, but attached to the lining rather than the facing. The advantage of a vertical pocket opening is firstly that it can be easier to get into while wearing the jacket, especially if you don't want to fully unzip. If that vertical opening is located in the leather of the facing, there's no change of anything heavy being carried in the pocket making the lining sag by pulling down on the pocket opening. Horses for courses, though - a lot of folks prefer other alternatives. I even learned very quickly to live with my Highwayman which has no inner pockets at all (standard pattern) - all I needed was a wallet downsize...
I've never really given much thought about the benefits of a vertical pocket - couldn't figure out for the life of me why'd they want to make a pocket in the leather of the facing - but you've made some excellent points! So far I've been listening to Aero's advice not to have any inside pockets (choice that I always seem to end up regretting) but I think I'll definitely insist on at least one on my next jacket.