Manix 2 vs Manix 2 XL oddity?

[NetshadeX]

I own the Manix 2 but like the XL better for having that slightly better proportioned flat ground blade. As I was looking at the thing closer though I noticed something strange.

The XL seems to miss a screw ! Notice how the original Manix 2 has an extra screw clamping on the liners holding the stop pin. Somehow that same screw is missing from the XL leading me to believe it has a regular ol' stop pin held by the liners. This seems strange because an extra screw squeezing those liners certainly provides extra stability especially with a larger blade?!

Is there anyone here that has both blades and can give me an honest report on how the two compare strength wise as a result?

 

[Barman1]

I've got both with S30V FFG and there is no stop pin. The blade stop is the back spacer. I can see a pin sticking through the liner on the XL when I take the scale off so you are correct.
I don't notice any real difference in strength. But you're correct in assuming there could be a difference with a floating pin rather than screws. The only thing I'd like to see is another standoff on the smaller Manix in the same location as the XL. The only thing holding the rear of the knife together back there is the lanyard tube pressed into the G-10.
Just took some measurements and the XL is narrower between the liners and the back spacer is shorter. I was thinking that maybe combining the parts from both would make the perfect frankenManix but there's a possibility the parts aren't necessarily interchangeable

 

[ShepardCC]

It uses a stop pin rather than a screw. I was going to put screws there instead of the stop pin but it's not threaded.

 

[BellaBlades]

I did not notice this until now. It looks alot cleaner without the extra screw in my opinion. Especially with exotic/custom scales. I doubt any difference in strength would show. I am sure the blade would get damaged in extreme heavy use before anything would happen to the steel lock spacer.