First, some trigger manufacturers confused the issue by erroneously referring to second gear as "neutral" -- they were labeled "H N L" instead of "3 2 1."

Second, true neutral was indeed between 2nd and 3rd. I used it to good advantage on my coaster 3-speed with Huret friction downtube shift lever. At a red light, neutral permitted me to align the pedals properly for a smooth, fast getaway, just as one would do with a freewheeling bike, but awkward with a coaster brake.