Ken,
I agree, I have not found any regulation directing star orientation. I was merely stating my own observation. After I read Glenn's statements, I made it a point to pay a little more attention, and, as I stated, it doesn't hold 100% true, but it seems to be the case more times than not. Probably still the maker's preference, though. What really was surprising was the flip-flop orientation on 4th bunting and later. At first it seemed to be random scattering, but I turned the picture to where the bars are horizontal and, viola, the stars flip back and forth.(see attached photo)
CB