Why are bars loaded like this?
 

Why put the small "incremental" weights outside like that?

Because the rules state that the plates must be loaded in weight order, heaviest on the inside, lightest on the outside. As the collars weigh 2.5kg the 2, 1.5, 1 and 0.5kg plates are all loaded outside of the collars.

That's interesting. Thanks!

It also helps the speed of loading in competition - this only started happening when friction plates came out - metal change plates were/are still placed inside the collars.

Ahhhhh okay now that makes a lot more sense!!!