Peter: AtlasO had an active forum back when they introduced their O gauge track. I asked why they repeated Super O's mistake of using power blades rather than simply making an operating track. Someone claiming to be an Atlas representative said Atlas didn't see it as a mistake, but instead as something that offered the user greater flexibility. Was he being honest? Was it simply an economical solution to something Atlas didn't see as being a big seller? I don't know. Even with the benefit of hindsight though it is interesting that Atlas went with the power blades and short uncoupler track.
For those who preferred not to use the short super O terminal track there was also the option of power and ground lock ons. My father bought extra terminal tracks which we tended to use to balance out the terminal and uncoupler tracks on the other side of my brother an my ovals.
