Yeah, I hear it. I went with the traditional approach to page numbering on the pamphlet, but I did try a bunch of things (the one you mentioned specifically in fact). I ended up liking the split of act 1 and 2 across their creatures with art more.
Yeah, don't get me wrong, it does look good! I like the way it frames that center panel with the characters.
Layout is always tricky for me to sort out what's the best way.