I personally think that longer the clubface the slower the rate of closing. Cant imagine center shafted, face balanced irons as being easier to hit.
OB
OB, and I can imagine it. Not that I would claim it for sure, but can easily imagine that the situation when the shaft supports the clubface MOI center could create less problems for a golfer.
The problem is another, IMO - loft The bigger the loft is the more negative offset would have to be.