I thought w/ the new rules a figure can't ignore willpower & choose to take a pushing damage. Then I saw a recent post in units stating this still works. So does it? I want to push Howard to get to perplex.

You can just "choose" not to "use" it.

You can't cancel it now, but you don't have to use it!

As far as I understand it.

In fact, I think the only powers you can't "choose not to use" are Earthbound/Neutralized and Battle Fury.

I can't remember if Impervious and the like is still non-optional. I'll check real quick.

From the 2011 Core RulebookFrom the 2011 Powers & Abilities CardFrom the 2011 Powers & Abilities CardSo by reasoning, we can consider the Willpower "optional," but the Impervious and similar powers are not "optional."

WILLPOWER This character may ignore pushing damage.

You get to choose whether the character ignores pushing damage or takes pushing damage.

The non-optional powers:

EARTHBOUND/NEUTRALIZED
CHARGE - The ignores knock back part only
PLASTICITY
STEALTH
STEAL ENERGY - after you've made the choice to attack
TOUGHNESS
COMBAT REFLEXES - except the knock back choice
ENERGY SHIELD/DEFLECTION
IMPERVIOUS
INVULNERABILITY
BATTLE FURY
ENHANCEMENT