Maverick's Lift/Launch

Is Maverick's first hill a launch that simulates a lift or a lift that uses traditional launch mechanisms?

You can read all about it here....

http://www.coasterbuzz.com/forum.aspx?mode=thread&TopicID=46562

what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard.
Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it.
I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Aren't "a launch that simulates a lift" or "a lift that uses traditional launch mechanisms" the same thing?