<<I get the feeling that you are asking one question to answer another question. >>
Not as far as I'm aware... I really just want to know whether this padlock has trick pins in it.
<<It might also help if we can understand your reason for wanting to know.>>
That's closer to the mark; I can see what you were getting at now! :-)
<<Why spend so much time "working out the padlock" as when a padlock is opened by someone without a key picking is often not the best or first choice for the opening method... >>
No, but it's the most fun choice! ;-)
Seriously though. Obviously I'm trying to pick this lock, but I thought it'd be best to be a little circumspect (i.e. avoid actually discussing picking) based on what the FAQ says. I had thought that asking a question about how a certain lock works would be acceptable, whilst saying "Hey chaps. How do I pick X?" might not be.
Hence the emphasis on 'working out' the lock - my interest isn't in getting it open (the key's in front of me ;-) per se, but in understanding it.
I popped into a local lockie today and he had a squint at it and told me it had no security pins. I'm still waiting for ABUS's response, which I guess I can treat as definative.