My flap switch is in the same place, not the circle one. On a go around, I can push WOT and retract the flaps with my thumb very quickly.
My flap switch is a toggle on my Infinity stick grip. Its extremely intuitive, and I cant imagine it anywhere else.
Also, this switch is speed restricted by my VPX, so no accidental activation.
Are you talking about the flap switch as shown or where the red circle is? Your friend has the flap switch in the right location. The red circle area is going to be covered up with your knuckles when the throttle is full forward.