I prefer the original military with the liner lock, myself.
The manix's lock (ball bearing lock) and military 2 (compression lock) are not really comparable. I think people will say either can be "playful" as they allow the blade to move pretty freely for easily flicking the blade open and closed. The ball bearing lock is kind of like the benchmade axis lock in feel, except it has a much strong pull, in my experience.
I've tried several knives with the compression lock and they tend to pinch my hands occasionally, which is why I don't prefer them. I also prefer the liner lock as I don't have to change my hand position to disengage the lock since it's right where my thumb already is. The comp lock, you have to adjust your hand around. The benefit of that, along with the axis lock (cross bar like being the generic name), ball bearing, and backlocks is that your fingers are generally out of the way of a closing blade so you're less likely to get cut. Hasn't really been a problem for me so I don't consider it much of an advantage.
If you like the looks of the manix, I would go that route, personally. I find it more ugly and the military to be one of spyderco's better looking knives. Both are really slicey. The military is longer by a fair bit (4" blade vs 3.37" on the manix) and has a more serpentine overall shape whereas the manix is a little more chunky. I also think the manix is thicker than the military, but I don't see a handle thickness listed anywhere. I think the manix 2 specifically, not the lightweight, would probably fit your desires better as it's a lot heavier with the liners and G10, vs the lightweight FRN of the lightweight. Black g10 with black coated blade.
Just my thoughts based on what you've said here. As long as the lock wouldn't be a deal breaker.
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This Spyderco Manix 2 features tactical black G-10 scales, frame and pocket clip. The full flat ground S30V steel blade is DLC finished with a plain edge. The recipe for success: Start with an exceptionally strong lock, manufactured using precise tolerances and add a blade honed from exotic...
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) and while I have never liked the size of the Mora Eldris, would it be a handy quick cut and easy to put away? Just curious.
