The position of the analog sticks doesnt matter to me. What matters is the position of the D-pad, size and correct input registration. Analogs are easy aslong as theres one in the left and another one in the right.
From the D-pad perspective the Dual Shock has it right. The D-pad on the Xbox is small and terrible. With that said, the D-pad on my dual shock 3 is terrible aswell, even if the position and size seem correct. It doesnt register as it should. I hope that Dual shock 4 has a D-pad as good as the ones in the dual shock 1 and 2. I think it might be related to the material and hardness of the buttons.
Its not easy making a good D-pad. SEGA just made it look easy during the mega drive and saturn days.