I have stacked in the same manners you have going. I guess that I personaly can not tell a difference. My 0.02 is this. Which ever pile gets the most sun, and air flow will prally dry faster! No help at all was I. I can say that I cut some sopping wet cottonwood in Jan. Split it and threw it in some 1/2 cord cages, I picked up some the other day, it is ready!
I like my wood wet and old just like.... Aww nevermind that doesn't work.
There goes my appetite for breakfast.