Cooper's main point with the forward mounted telescope, IIRC, was/is that it allows loading from a stripper clip. Being as few of our Scout rifles have actions capable of that, it kind of becomes a matter of form, IMO.
There are those who argue the forward position makes for faster aquisition or easier target aquisition with both eyes open. This has not been the case for me. I have a Savage Scout (not a "true" Scout, according to the Colonel) with a forward mounted Leupold. This gun is not quite as fast as my Ruger Express rifle with a compact 2.5X low mounted in the "standard" position, not because of scope location, but because of gun fit. The Ruger comes right to my shoulder with the scope in place, while the Savage takes a split second of "hunting" for the reticle. I shoot both guns (all guns) with both eyes open, and with correct gun fit and low scope power, the scope "dissapears".
HTH!