My interest in recumbent bicycles goes back to seeing coverage of the IHPVA Speed Championships in Bicycling and Bike World magazines in the late 1970's. I purchased a Hyper-Cycle in 1981. I wanted an Avatar 2000, but didn't have the dough.
I have since built and bought many 'bents, including a Front-Wheel-Drive one from David Krovets of Virginia.
I think FWD has the potential to be the best layout for performance 'bents.