the factory uses that style to keep the line from kinking back one way or another. basically allows you to turn a 90* angle and point the line the way you want it to go without having to have a long enough line for a "gentle bend"
since we aren't talking factory, and we're talking more function over form, then there isn't really any reason why you couldn't do exactly what you're saying.
I'd try to put a little effort into not letting the line just bounce all over the place by supporting it somehow, but beyond that, do eet!