The valve in the A80 is essentially that, no? re: blowforward. I actually consider the Mike Wood guns poppets because the firing valve operates off a face seal on all of them. If you added a compliant seal on an axe poppet, they'd be similar to open bolt novas. Not trying to start a debate, but it's interesting to see the difference in opinions here.
Steve, I also agree that the "legion shocker" is essentially the same basis as the Mike Wood guns. I've thought that for quite some time. In a way, the etha and tippmann flex valve draw heritage here as well.