An interesting point about the direction of lay of the wire luff. I cannot see that it would make much odds either way, there will be a turning force on the wire when you furl and unfurl.
As far as fixing the eye or block on the foredeck I think this should be secured with a backing pad. There is some advice on doing this courtesy of Colin Parkstone;
http://wayfarer.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=618