The worst top-airflow face burner was the Vector by VLS. Flat out dangerous for purging! I accidentally did it once... kinda. That only needed to happen once! And not for more than a split second.
But to your point, if you do purge, the Athena will get you too. Not like the Vector, but it will get you.
I think if an rda can easily burn your face with an intentional or accidental purge, it's a design flaw... Especially when it's RDAs meant for high power.
I never understood the appeal of the Vector or most top air drippers. I only ever got decent at best flavor from it/them.
ETA:. I know people loved their ability to be damn near leak proof but I don't like sacrificing performance for functionality.