Ive used the method you mention on a (vru old) featherweight.
It did have some advantages, such as reducing the vent time and allowing more flips per second, but the downsides were too numerous and I ditched it (low pressure setup)
I have suggested this before, and will again.
Andy Kane of Kan-opener, and FRA chairman, once offered to test any hydraulic rams if people wanted, if you e-mail him, this may apply to pnematic rams too. The holes are no problem, Im sure the ram can be positioned so they are not used.
Cheers
James