Hi Roger. I have three N. Mists: A Baraga (62"), a Whisper (64"), and a Ramer(64"). Personally I love the forward handle and find both the Whisper and the Ramer to be far more forgiving (ugh, that word)...ok, user friendly, than the Baraga. But(!) the Baraga is noticeably faster given its mild deflex/reflex design. The string follow gives a smooth and consistent draw but at my 26-27" draw I don't notice much difference between the Ramer and the Whisper.
I'm thinking of getting a Sprague if that is any indication of how I feel about the forward handle. I've tried to talk Steve into making a forward handle version of the Baraga but no luck! Maybe if we start petition he'll cave in!