Playing on the end is definitely the hardest spot to play in a snareline.

The drill responsibilities + Listening Responsibilities + Being the rookie of the line (Usually) = The most valuable experience a player can get.

That's a matter of where you marched and what you're taught. Not saying standing on the end of the line isn't a difficult place to be but every player has the responsibility of drill and listening regardless of where you are in the line. I don't think it's any easier or harder if you stand one off center or on the end.

I guess I was lucky, I never had to be on the end, I went from center right to center out of 5. I do agree that each section should listen to their center, and then that person is responsible for listening to the center snare. In my experience that method has created the best sound as far as unity goes.