I've seen them routed either behind or in front of the forks.  Same model bikes.  Is this just to accomodate the fitting on different brands or length or what?  I halfass guess running them in front then up the middle gets more wind over them for cooling?

It's all about the length...  People route them a given way based on the amount of slack they have in the lines. 

It is also easier to pull the whole brake system without disconnecting calipers or master cylinder if the lines are routed in front of the triple clamps.  (instead of running between the forks.)

Got it.  Thanks for the info.

above all, make SURE that:
(a) you have enough slack for FULL fork travel (up AND down)
(b) the lines can't touch the tire

Even momentary contact with the tire will go RIGHT through a SS line...