Ever wondered how a 5 stroke engine works?While even a big obstruction to the exhaust gas flow,and the back pressure would slow down the outer pistons and prevent them exhausting freely!
So you WIN power from the middle piston,but LOSE power on the outer pistons.So many speculation,but we though its an interesting concept,some people disagree with it.It really is an amazing and intriguing concept,but if the outer piston gases have to power the middle piston,then obviously the middle piston is acting as welcome your thoughts.