thanks for the replies. I think its worth a try to swap it some time.
I like out of phase wiring when you have control over the volume on each pickup. Then you can tweak the tone to be modestly out of phase in tone.
I agree, there is that 'in-between zone' with interesting tonal possibilities, on the nightbird*, I use those areas quite a bit. Comparing to the nightbird with it's switchable phase, though, is what makes me want to hear both pickups full volume in phase.
* on the nightbird I replaced the three way pickup selector switch with a pan knob. (which I've found accomplishes the same thing as separate volumes in a more convenient way) allowing the dicsovery of those in between phase zones.