In comparison to other striking arts, TCMA has an incredible variety of techniques and stand alone strikes. Many of them require/necessitate a set up of some sort or another that is based around position and superior leverage and vantage points. The bulk of what I understand thus far to be crucial is getting you into those positions to execute a superior strike/takedown. This is also important if you are unable to dictate the pace or position and find yourself losing it, that is when the odd angles and unconventional strikes (single knuckle, fu-jow, multi or single finger, etc) come into play. If you set up a good shot, regardless of a backfist or whatever, then you are going to place that advantage momentarily. A backfist can knock you out without a doubt but mechanics of yourself and your opponent, the angles, the set up, and the relative conditioning of yourself and the ability of your opponent to take a hit all come into play. A backfist can be a quick thing to the face to set something up, or a follow up that using a whipping strength to generate power.
I would never become close minded towards anything in a striking arsenal if it is based around sound mechanics/attribute deveopment and proper set-up. If I do not understand that technique that is one thing, but to dismiss it under the conditions lined out above, that is just silly.
I like Chuck Liddell simply because he uses a very weird/unconventional and unorthodox style that seems to work...that and the mohawk/moustache combo!
Any of you watch Anderson Silva. In terms of sport fighting I think he is probably the most technical and effective striker yet.