In reply to steveshaking:
Mountaineers have used Makalus with rear clip on crampons for years. Including me. Most don't trust the front welt for front bale crampons. There is a bit of sole flex, and even rear clip/front strap will pop very occassionally under certain size combinations and wearing situations (had it happen about twice descending fast down steep slopes facing downwards). Kind-of "walk" out of them.
So you do have to take a little care. However, rear clip, front strap are the defacto standard crampon combo for Makalu wearers.
Also if you are thinking about extended front pointing, then they don't cut the mustard. Bashed up toes and knackered calves from not enough sole/ankle support. For a hundred metres of less-than-bullet-proof ice up the final slopes of a mountain they are fine.
Also Makalus changed in design over the years. The more modern versions give slightly less support in the ankle and the sole is not as precise.