Rear main seal questions

So...I am replacing the rear main seal on my 66 273 and noted with interest rotating the seals 3/8" in the block and main bearing cap. First time I've seen this......does this help insure a better seal against an oil leak?

Yes it could help, otherwise you have better possibility for leaks due to bearing halves and seal halves being in exact same spot.
Think of it as laying flooring, you always stagger joints.