With the cheaper traps, you have to pull the trap door up with your hands. That means you are on the business end when the animal runs out.
This trap has a protective metal panel under the handle so that the coon can’t grab or bite you. Your hands aren’t on the trap door since you pull it open from above. It’s much safer than the regular live traps. I have used both.
Yes, Havahart cage traps always had protection for the handle. I had not seen the {newer?} release mechanism. I was misled by the term 'manual'. The trapper still has to be with the trap to open it, just on the back side. As for skunks, covered traps are expensive. The trap could be set with a blanket or whatever cover... just eliminate hostile odors around the trap. :)