Unless there is something I missed about the workings of the mechanism, the Rohloff gearbox with its twin pull-pull cables is ideal for operating the cables in either direction. You can't read the black on black gear indicator anyhow.
Kids, DON'T try this at home on Daddy's derailleur bike -- it works ONLY on the Rohloff.
BTW, the Thorn has a superb cable run. On my Utopia Kranich the cables actually cross over in the change from being side by side to being one above the other. It has no adverse effect but is just a small aesthetic detail. (I'm sure Andy Blance is smirking and saying, Function, mate, I dinna do it for the appearance! Cheers in the New Year, Andy, and thanks for letting me read you to discover the best value components.)
André Jute