Couldn't you substitute a D12 with 2 D6? Just roll the first dice remember the number and then roll the second and if the roll is even add 6? Shouldn't that work?
The d4's where the numbers are in a cluster are too hard to read. I've had to swap them in most games because most players need to second guess any rolls with them.
I'm sure people prefer them in some groups and power to them, but I detest them and if a dice set doesn't have the other default, I don't buy em.
I only know that you read the base, not the point, because my dad had a set of dice that came with a d4 that was arranged like that. His were exceptionally hard to read, as they were yellow plastic with no paint to highlight the grooved numbers. First thing I bought at GenCon was a proper set of black dice with silver numbers.
I also prefer the point to be the number that you're expected to read.
A d12 is superior to every other dice shape. Not only is it highly composite, but it also is less likely to roll of the side of a table and feels better in the hand.