Carnac TRS9...strap velcros 'wrong' way?

At least according to some, but not my sister. Just got the new Carnac TRS9 carbon/graphite soles, that from what I understood were tri shoes, heck they were even featured in tri mag. Anyways I was suprised to see that the velcro strap opens up INTO/towards the drivetrain, potentially becoming fouled up in your drivetrain during transitions. My tri experienced sister says better that (it won't happen anyways says she) then reaching down and getting your knuckles fouled up in the drivetrain. Also, I have slight wiggle room in my toe are, but rest of shoe is fits snug, would you return them for a smaller size = no wiggle room?
So, whay say you? Do I need to return them before they are used?