Your example shows one way a driveline can be configured. The other way is with the tailshaft of the engine/transmission pointed at a down angle, like your diagram shows, and the pinion end of the differential also pointing down, so that the angles are equal (but opposite, relative to the centerline of the driveshaft). I "think" that this is the way that many drivelines in jet boats typically end up looking like, if you rotate the whole boat (in your mind) so that the h-bar is parallel to the horizon: The input end of the pump shaft is pointed down, and the flywheel end of the engine also pointing down.
To understand why a driveshaft has to be configured in either one of these configurations, you have to remember (or realize) that a u-joints (and the attached driveshaft) are not a constant-velocity devices unless everything is operating along the centerline of the driveshaft (no angle at either end). This is rarely the case, and not recommended (for bearing lubrication and wear issues). The cross ends of the joints are accelerating and decelerating throughout one revolution of the joint, as is the driveline. You need to have each end of the driveshaft accelerating and decelerating in-phase to minimize vibration and destructive harmonics.