That's a neat feature for a treadle machine-as long as you don't find yourself backing out of your last stitch when you come to a stop like I sometimes do. The front lift lever seems like a good idea too. I wonder why it didn't catch on, it seems to make sense to have all the controls up front.
I think its a good idea to have a few of the earlier machines to illustrate the progression toward the more "modern" machines that you're mainly interested in. (No enabling here.)
Rodney