Check A, A320, re #158 '… the CA would have noticed immediately. The question is, why did it take him so long to realise the pitch and the control column position were inappropriate?'
Rephrasing the question #158 with stick-force (trimmed state vs 'pitch') as the key 'awareness' parameter (poor flying technique, training or aptitude) would provide an alternative view of the crews actions.
Opposed to what the pilot 'saw', what was 'felt' and acted on; particularly with respect to configuration change - flap, airbrake, change / reversal of thrust, and speed. In addition, any change from overpowering / CWS function from the autopilot / auto trim ( if it remained engaged ).
If the pilot erroneously used stick force as a key 'awareness' datum, then the rapid and unexpected change in operating configuration (control force is out-of-phase with that required) could result in inappropriate control input opposed to what we, (with hindsight and normal attitude reference), would expect. Thus the CA had to re-establish the situation from an unexpected attitude, control, feel, condition. P2 presents a severely out of trim aircraft to CA, and continues to make inputs - crew use different datums.
View the simulated video of events, without pitch attitude, replace with with stick force - true value has to be calculated from FDR parameters and aircraft type characteristics. How would we fly with our eyes closed.