High Quality Audio Preamp
The project description gives the reasons for the rear arrangement, so it's a matter of deciding whether easy construction or best performance is your priority. The author has considerable expertise in pro. audio so for the best DIY results, his recommendation will be worth the extra effort.
On the other hand, the power supply noise issue is minimal using an external transformer and many people don't use the other in/out lines since they may only have one or two sources. The multiple extra lengths of long wiring up and back from a front switch arrangement may then just lay around unused and not become a significant noise or crosstalk problem after all.
Incidentally, you don't have to make a professional engineering standard shaft extension to get good results. I've even used 1/4" dowel for the extension and an old pot. for the front panel brass shaft bushing. You can't pick it other than in a slight delay when switching. You will need to fit a plain hole knob with a set screw to any plain shaft though.