There used to be a CoF guideline that stated that one should not place threats and non-threats directly in line but I don't see it in the LBB. However, I would suggest that if the stage is set up such that shooter is forced to take the shot with the popper in front of the non-threat, then it's probably not a good design as the CoF is simulating breaking rule 2, Always be sure of your target and what is behind it, but, if the shooter has the option of moving to get a shoot solution where the non-threat is not behind the popper, it would be a better scenario. Even in the latter case, you might still have an issue in that most likely, a skilled shooter could ignore the rule 2 violation and gain an advantage by making the shot while one who did the "good" thing and moved to avoid the non-threat would be penalized although it might be possible to angle the popper in such a way as to encourage the desired solution. Another option would be to have the non-threat on a mover at least making it a timing challenge.

"I am a firm believer in therapy, for other people."
Kevin Schlier
Poconos, PA
http://www.brcv-gun.org