What you suggest was SOP in Ansett when I last jumpseated with them and, I gather, also in many other 737 operators. The advantages are as you state, with min speed protection etc. It was suggested to your airline about five years ago but of course nothing happened. "We never did it on 707s/Viscounts/Argonauts/etc, so why should we do it now" is the usual response to anything innovative.
[This message has been edited by Hew Jampton (edited 06 May 2001).]