I've taken about 3 front-on shots in my life. Strangely, they just don't seem to present themselves to me that often. Or more likely, I wait until the deer turn away before raising up and shooting. I have to admit that there's a certain security in knowing that our rifle round has the oomph to power through whatever it may encounter in the front-on shot. Only one actually pierced behind the stomach, and quick cleanup with the water I always carry (can you believe that some folks go afield without water?) dealt with that. A pierced paunch is basically not a problem at all-- it's just masticated herbs and acorns.
I think I feel a new thread on shotplacement coming on. Stay tuned.