I'm confused about the use of the single acting cylinder reference? Double acting cylinders require a fluid tight piston seal otherwise they behave like shock absorbers.
At first I did not see the point, but now I do. I'M A BELIEVER! LOL
The important point to consider is that when the cylinder rod enters the cylinder it must displace some oil. If the oil has nowhere to go, the rod cannot enter the cylinder.
If the control valve is good, so it blocks flow for the most part (granted they all leak to some degree) the rod will only enter the cylinder at whatever rate the control valve leaks fluid. Same for a leaking fitting or rod seal, etc.
Dan uses the single acting cylinder as an example of how a cylinder can function without a piston seal at all. I missed this at first, but now see it.
Essentially, a double acting cylinder that had no piston seal would act like a single acting cylinder (I think). I even imagine without the piston/cylinder seal, the the double acting cylinder might actually extend regardless of which hose fed fluid to the cylinder...
Dan please correct this post as necessary...
Edit: I was typing as Dan was replying...never seem to cross the finish line first!