90* Oil Filter Adapter ?s

I changed the oil & filter on my 318 that has the factory 90* oil filter adapter on it. The car has dual-exhaust using the stock exhaust manifolds and 2 1/4" pipes. I installed a shorter WIX 51085 oil filter. I'm wondering if it would be easier to get to the filter without the 90* adapter on the engine. Does anyone have experience (and photos) running without the 90* oil filter adapter? Did all small block a-body cars come with the 90* adapter? Why are there so many 90* adapters "for sale"?