The Ayotte Throw-off isn't exactly "multi position", more so an "any position" throw-off. This is made possibly by a standard drum key which can independently tighten or loosen the action of the throw-off lever. When loose it works much like any other strainer would, but when you tighten the drum key that locks it, the lever will stay put wherever you leave it along the rotation of the handle (which rotates from an almost horizontal position, to about 160° in the other direction) and will stay put without loosening.
The only downfall, which is very minor, is that if you really tighten the locking screw (for say really heavy hitting), it makes actually adjusting the lever a bit difficult. Not to an unpleasant degree, the benefits far outweigh the downfalls, but its definitely noticable.