One thing about changing needle stop position, it's normally a bit on the downward side because the hook has to rotate far enough to fully release the top thread. If the needle stops at top dead center, that might not always happen and then you'll have issues when you attempt to move the machine.
My stop position is about 1/4" past the top point. at that position, the tip of needle is still above the foot, but not by that much. So when I need to thread the needle, I have to turn it so the needle is fully up so I can see and get my fingers in there better.