Official reply from EAA when they FINALLY returned my call after 3 emails and 3 phone messages left. This is the total of all replies: It is NOT a half cocked position it is a "resting" position. He could not define what a "resting" position is when I said that it appeared to be a half cocked position. When asked about firing pin blocks etc there was no definitive response. More like a mumble about having one but not thinking it was safe. When asked about the 97 and the the Witness being a copy he agreed but did not agree that the 97 had a half cocked position.
The only thing I found out IMO is that everyone was right when they say EAA service is the pits.
Personally assuming it really is enough of a copy of the 97 to carry in half cocked position if that's what trips your trigger

If I didn't carry IWB and protected from hitting things etc I might think differently, I don't know?
Maybe the manual change and the explanation, "resting" position is the result of some freak law suit or something???