There do seem to be some technical differences between 2D and 3D templates, beyond simply the starting angle of view...but I can't elaborate. For now, just go with whatever floats your boat.
Gai is right, in early versions all the default templates, whether Imperial, metric or metric inches etc. all opened in plan view with no ground, sky or Flat Bryce. The Isometric/Perspective view came along later; that is, after all, how most other modellers open by default...at least they do when not in quad view.
B