Property sheet display

I've noticed the default  behavior of the projects is to not show the 
property sheet in the window (and when one does View | Properties, the 
property sheet opens within the MDI desktop space using all the space 
(i.e. where src editor usually is). What's the thinking on this? Has 
there been an active decision to not show the property sheet? (And 
hopefully, the default won't be for the property sheet to show up fully 
expanded in the MDI desktop area)

Wanted to find out so that I can figure out what most users will be 
presented with.

Thanks,
Ann