While most are probably aware of this, ASCE MOP 60 (old WPCF MOP FD-5) advised at least years ago that drops should for various reasons (e.g. susceptibility to blockages etc.) be used only "sparingly", or where it is not economically feasible e.g. by gentle vertical curves etc. to steepen the entering sewer.
While traditionally I believe many exterior drops are indeed more expensive to construct e.g. required to be encased in concrete etc., an exterior arrangement has an arguable potential advantage that by running the vertical part of the riser with a pipe all the way to the surface (as by use of a cross fitting at the top) and there provided with a smaller separate cover that would not transmit surface loads (not unlike the principal of a valve box), a clogged drop might be cleaned if ever necessary from the surface, and without having to enter the confined space etc. [It would appear also without major modification to standard utility manholes, cones and covers etc., either.]