jeez i cant believe a mechanic would loosen the brakes like that. just down right criminal.ive only worked on upto 60 floor buildings and all machines had a mechanical brake lifter(code required), all makes needed them. in fact our training never had us us any other way including otis internal brake arms.i can see what you mean about real heavy brake systems but ive never seen them.1 thing i will say is that stuck passengers will always be safe in the car. it must be stressed to new mechanics/apprentices that not to rush to release passengers and think about the situation.