If I had enough padding protecting the glass, would it hurt to transport a tv face down?

A crt television?; probably not.

Use a couple of layers of bubble wrap around the tv.... I did this in the exact same mannor without any issue.

I think form fitting Styrofoam (like the one your TV originally comes in) is really the only way to go.

It's actually the best to transport heavy CRT face down with protection on the glass
because the weight is on the front. It won't harm it unless you ride in a bumpy road.

Enough foam and sturdy box with expansions would help.

Hmmm, front screen down huh? I have my 970 crt in a small room, tilted it vertically and had a friend help me carry it to get it in the room, is it better/safer to just to put a large piece of cardboard in front of it, flip it face down, and slide it outta the room, is that safe/possible, and or can it be carried while face down?