Yo Vocal People:
To me, a vocal is thee FRONT LINE. Why do a vocal if it isn't UP FRONT? I've listened to many good arrangements and the vocals wind up buried in the music; can't hear those great words that form the poetry of great lyrics. Soooooooo, I work the vocal UP AND STRAIGHT UP; I usually pan loud music left/right to soften it; then, it is easier to get the vocal up front without having to blast it up there with mucho volume.
But, each pair of ears hears what it wants to ears.
Green Hornet