Weither or not a knife has AO is less important to me than design, for most flippers, like my ZT300 it compliments the design well, some others not so much(axis lock models or wave designs). I actually prefer the spring acting as a detent, it makes the initial motion to flip it easier and smoother, and all but guaratnees it will open, the noise of hitting the stop and locking is a good indicator of a successful lock, if silence is needed, then opening with 2 hands works.
I really don't have the problems closing AOs that some have, at least with a few KAI speedsafe knives and a SOG flash, in some ways they are a bit safer, instead of flopping closed once the blade moves past the lock, the spring keeps tension on it, and contact with your finger for more control in closing. The spring can and does fail rarely, but so do locks and other hardware, in many cases the knife still operates, but even if it doesn't it is an easy fix for anyone with the ability to disassemble and maintain a knife. If you think a broken AO spring would be a disastrous fail in a survival scenario, then you probably should carry at least 2 fixed blades in that situation.
I also own a ZT561 with KVT, love the bearing action too, far better than bushing designs, and I prefer KVT or good PB bushings over AO when used with thumb studs/spider hole, gives better control, but it still can hang up when opening in some cases, and when closing it flies closed if you get hung on the detent and push past, need to make sure your fingers are clear. Each knife and mechanism has it's own design, and individual personality, some like it, some won't. It is true AOs may scare and intimidate some people, as do most knives, firearms, dogs, fast cars, hot women, and any number of great things. Here in southern PA we have a name for these people frightened of all things awesome, sitzpinkler. I do not live my life to pacify them or consider their irrational fears when I decide what is lawful and useful to me, or how I conduct myself.
