I think I understand what you are wanting.
Forget the camera based selection.
Just turn on Backface Culling.
If Backface Culling is grayed out (not selectable) turn on smooth shade. That should allow you to select backface culling.
That will prevent you from selecting faces, verts, etc on the opposite side of your mesh.
Don't be satisfied with what you can do but rather strive to do the things you can't do!
Exceed Expectations!