I think the biggest impediment to "back to back" installations is the basement. The meter has to be eye high at grade so you are either running the SE inside the home or you are punching a hole in the wall below grade, directly into the main panelboard enclosure. That may work in the desert but anyplace where it rains can be a problem.
Maybe we could remove "where subject to physical damage" from 230.50(B)(1) where it is inside the building and assume any SE cable inside the home is subject to physical damage (an undefined term anyway).
At least that would get it in pipe.
Personally I would say rigid/intermediate metal pipe but that may be a bridge too far. Maybe add EMT.
The problem with RNC, even sch80, is, a drywall screw goes right through it. It feels like wood to an 18v screw gun.
