You're right on whether the source of light is on the same or opposite side. I'm assuming the light is coming from above you and with respect to the view, in front of it. http://mdznr.com/bJ The way, I think, you're talking about is if the light were to be coming from the user's chest (certainly not what's expected and not in the HIG).
The part that's backwards about Apple's implementation is that tilting the device (roll) should rotate the shines and tilting the device (pitch) should change the size of the shines. Apple's rotates on pitch and changes size on roll.
The part that's backwards about Apple's implementation is that tilting the device (roll) should rotate the shines and tilting the device (pitch) should change the size of the shines. Apple's rotates on pitch and changes size on roll.