We decided againts front access for many reasons. The back end in the fish room is built to handle water splashes and spills, we don't want water on the front glass, trim and carpet. We didn't want to risk light bleed through with the access panel that would make it look junky and we're hoping that the solid insulated wall, finish trim and rubber gaskets we're going to use are going to help with noise reduction because the tank faces our home theater room.
I'm definately getting a super strong magnet cleaner and some extended scrapers to help with maintenance. Something else I thought of using when deciding againts front access is an acrylic viewing box.