is this actually important? if so it may explain my poor germination success.
No it's not important, just more overthinking.
Buy some seeds of anything in the world, does it say anywhere how to orient the seed when planting ? No it doesn't.
If you have poor germination rates, are you doing the paper towel method ? If you are, STOP IT ! Get a flower pot, some pro mix organic soil, water the soil, make a 1 inch hole, put the seed in the hole any direction you wish, cover the hole up, add a few more drops of water, watch it sprout in 3 - 4 days.
If you are doing the paper towel method you are handling the seeds too much.
If you are using bagseed, they could be crap seeds.
If they are G13 brand seeds, they are crap seeds
if they are KC Brains brand they are crap seeds
if you are using soil that isn't safe for seedlings the fertilizer is killing them.
Let me know if any of those sound like you.