I'm even more intrigued by why the derailleur cables appear to cross under the downtube as shown in the OP's first photo...
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13802.msg102808#msg102808
Best,
Dan.
It isn't that uncommon, depending on certain other factors - bar width, stem length, how close to the stem the cables are taped, where the first attachment/stop is... it can be the lesser of two evils, the slight rubbing and the imperfect angle under the BB, might be less trouble than the sharp angle trying to bring the cable the "right" side of the headtube.
