A slight delay in hitting TOGA would have brought them flare height. It was like reject takeoff after V1.
I disagree. It's nothing like rejecting take off after V1 - it is a recognised procedure called "Balked Landing".
The guidance mentioned in the report "Birdstrike Threat Awareness" says,
"VII.2 At Landing • On short final, do not go around, if birds are encountered, but fly through the bird flock and land. Try to maintain a low thrust setting. • The use of reverse thrust on landing after a birdstrike should be avoided. It may increase engine damage, especially when engine vibration or high EGT are indicated."
Pity - that crew hadn't read it.