Tomatoes ripen from the bottom up, or so I've believed. Having them upside down might slow things down a bit, but that may be an old tale. YMMV.
Certainly, though, ripening tomatoes give off gases that will speed the ripening of nearby tomatoes. Having them spaced apart from each other will minimize that. Your countertop space may be a factor here.
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There is no logical response to the question, "Why won't you let me plant more tomatoes?" 
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