One of the points in the new Boeing procedures checklist introduction, under Checklist Content states that:
¨The checklist has the minimum items needed to operate the airplane safely. Normal Checklists have items that meet any of the following criteria:
Items needed to maintain fleet commonality between the 737, 747-400, 757,767 and 777,....etc.¨
(along with other many other points...)
I feel that what you state is a result of this policy.
I don´t have any experience in other Boeing aircraft, but in the 767 we only disconnect the autothrottle arm switch during Non-Normal Checklists...for normal operation the switch is always armed.
Excellent point about the accidental TOGA activation!!! Never crossed my mind!
You definitely learn something every day
Saludos,
Alfredo