I was hoping for the blade just to pull out but that didn't go well. Like you said it did have the huge line so I expected it to pop right out. After heating the crap out of it and the blade not popping out, I ended up just cutting and flipping. The stick had great flex and ended up to be my favorite ever used.
The Mission sticks have always been a favorite of mine. Best thing I ever use was a cut down Pulse with a Synthesis blade. I have the S17 now but i'd love to still have my Pulse.