AnnieSue you can see videos of how it works if you google Oliso irons and check videos, but basically when you take your hand off the iron feet come up out of the pressing plate and lift the iron off the board - you don't have to tip it up on its butt like other irons. I really want this feature and decided to take the plunge. I found an ebay seller who had excellent feedback, runs a "mom and pop" business selling sewing machines and vacuums and knows about the leaking and poor customer service issues. She assured me that if I get a defective one she will replace it at no charge to me. I'll keep my fingers crossed - from the bazillion reviews I've read people either hate it because it leaks or the feet don't work or get stuck, or they really love it and have no problems with any of that at all. I got a good enough price that I'm going to go with the yellow one for the 30-minute shutoff and the extra long cord.
I want to thank everyone who answered my questions. Sometimes I just obsess about something for so long it makes me sick, and the only way to solve the dilemma is to make a decision and hope for the best. Now I can get back to work!