I very much agree that the tabernacle needs to be front and center IN the sanctuary.  I thoroughly dislike it being placed elsewhere and think it was a very wrong move in the reforms following Vatican II (although I understand the thinking behind it).  One observation to offer is that the raised platform for the altar is to help everyone see the actual liturgical process as it occurs.  And it is a common practice that for very small groups, the celebrant invites everyone to join him in the sanctuary, which I think is a particularly neat thing to do.