Lee, I think you are misreading the NFPA 17A and 95 requirements.
Either a contactor or a shunt trip breaker will be "manually reset" when the release mechanism is reset. That's just fine.
What is NOT allowed is for that resetting operation to also open up gas flow to the appliances - unless those appliances also have electric automatic spark igniters. The manual reset provision is there to help ensure that the (presumably still 'on') appliances don't fill the kitchen with gas fumes.
Since most Ansul systems use a mechanical gas valve, rather than an solenoid operated one, this is usually not an issue.
NFPA 17 and 17A require a reset relay if the gas valve is electrical. As do the manufacturers, Ansul, Amerex and Badger. Even if the appliances to have electric spark igniters, they could always be replaced later with standing pilot appliances.
