Problem:
One of the most widely used methods for the formation of $\ce{C=C}$ is β - elimination reaction of the following type:
The spatial arrangement for a bimolecular elimination (E2) of the type shown above requires a trans geometry of the β - hydrogen and the leaving group (X). In most of the cases, the most substituted olefin is the favored product. However, in the case of ammonium and sulphonate salts, the least substituted olefin is formed as a major product
Identify the major product in the following reaction:
My query:
As you can see in the diagram they've drawn, the $\ce{NR3+}$ is in the plane of the paper, while $\ce{H}$ is NOT in the plane of the paper. Thus, I would not consider them as trans, since they are not exactly opposite to each other, but are in fact, inclined to each other at certain angle. In the current diagram, I would only consider (1) the two H atoms on a wedge and a dash position, (2) the left phenyl and right $\ce{NR3+}$, (3) the right phenyl and the methyl - as trans to each other, as then they are exactly opposite.
As is obvious in the answer key, they've considered the given H atom and the $\ce{NR3+}$ as trans and have eliminated them to yield:
Thus I wish to know exactly where my reasoning is wrong? Thanks!
Complete problem 2 and its answer key for reference