I always thought that cripple patterns like the original Quigley Cripple were tied to float vertically - with the wing straight up and the hook shaft almost straight down. I've also noticed that when Quigley Cripple style flies flop down and float horizontally, they don't get as much attention from the fish.

Recently I've noticed cripple patterns that are designed to float horizontally, e.g. ScottP's Cripple Stacker (below) or Walt Wiese's favorite cripple. On most of these the forward slanting wing is the most prominent cripple feature.

When I watch bugs floating downstream, the cripples that I see are horizontal with shucks or wings trapped in the film.

What do y'all think?