HSean I don't see anyone addressing this so I think I will chime in. I beleive the 'point of this' was to make shifting more comfortable for novice riders. it seems likely that most people who buy that style of bike wanted a '10 speed' but were used to riding a three speed and therefore in the habit of pausing in their pedalling to shift. with the FFW system they were able to do this. I agree with whoever said it was a solution looking for a problem/issue. however if I ever saw a nice mixtie or ladies with it I may buy it for the novality