Why do we need to flip the kernel in 2D convolution in the first place? What's the benefit of this? So, why can't we leave it unflipped? What kind of terrible thing can happen if you don't flip it?

SEE: "First, flip the kernel, which is the shaded box, in both horizontal and vertical direction"

http://www.songho.ca/dsp/convolution/convolution2d_example.html