The photo below shows the FSM orientation of the distributor drive gear. The Rotor is directly in line with the slot so the rotor will point to the first intake manifold bolt on the driver's side. This will orientate the distributor so the vacuum advance canister clears the coil and oil pressure sending unit. The orientation of the rotor to the cap is not affected by the distributor location but by the positioning of the points.
Which is exactly why I recommend doing it by the book. To have all the room you can have to adjust timing so the vacuum advance hits nothing. I just don't understand why people want to argue with what is the best way. Beats all I've ever seen.