I didn't think I would care, but now that I've had both many times I absolutely prefer the rice on the outside.

I caught that too. I think it's the dark color on the outside? They sell onigiri in a lot of our grocery stores and I've only seen them covered with opaque wrappings. That's why I think it's correct, but I'm not sure. It could also seem less chewy when it's on the outside because there's more to stretch? Just guessing.