Even sight lines – or not?

Some styles of windows have even sight lines, some don’t. The question arises with
frames that have adjoining opening and fixed lights – a common occurrence.
For a fixed light, the glazing is either fixed directly into the window frame or it is
placed in its own frame to form a sash, and this dummy sash is fixed into the frame.
When such a window is viewed from outside, no difference can be seen between the
hinged casement and the fixed, dummy sash – the sight lines are even. (And the sight
lines are even when viewed from the inside, too.)
Sight lines
(The lower diagram also shows the architects’ symbol for an opening light)
Many people think that even sight lines look better, but functionally the direct
glazing method results in a surprisingly larger area of glass. (In the upper diagram
above, the glazed area of the fixed light is 28% greater than the glazed area that would
result if it were replaced with a dummy sash.) Direct glazing results in uneven sight
lines, but it also results in more daylighting, more solar gain, and a lower cost. Should
form follow function, or not? Your choice.