My somewhat small oven has a handle centered on the top/back that along with gloves, a hook, or pair of pliers could be used to move it while hot.  Perhaps to pull it back or spin it slightly for viewing. Also because it is shallow you can peer over the top and see part of the "goods" cooking.  Keep in mind that I have only cooked with this thing in front of a floor level fireplace (no hearth).  I also suspect that you could step around many fires and from a distance, see the contents of most reflector ovens.  Probably not as efficient as a rear hatch.  

Maybe someone with REAL EXPERIENCE can comment on features that they wouldn't want to be without.

terp