to be able to pull the key out of the ignition while still in the accesory position? if so, is there a reason why? i have found no good reason for it other than to "load test" battery charge life. *grrrr*

No.. it is not normal to be able to pull the key out at any position except for the off position.. Probly a worn switch. My chevy truck does this at any position. It still works fine and I won't fix it untill its broken..

280master is correct, it is a worn ignition switch. Mine does it in any position and frankly I find it convenient like if you need to go back into the house but you started your car already, etc. Back in the day when you could buy a whole lock set from the dealer I replaced my wife's 240Z key set so all the keys were the same and the key doesn't come out.

My 240 only comes out in the lock position. The key is still captive in the off position.

Mine will do the same with my old worn out keys... I had new keys made off the key number and they stay put.

My 78 510 (A10, Laurel, whatever you'd call it) would start with any key, screwdriver, nail file, pointy stick (same lockset as the Z's). Imagine my amusement when someone tried to steal her by hot wiring the switch wires

While not normal, this seems to be a common thing amongst Zs. I used to be able to not only pull the key out, I could also open up my friend's 280, he could open up mine, etc.

I had a good chuckle with the guy I bought my 240Z from when he mentioned that the car's locks didn't allow other Z owners to get into it!!!