Interesting feedback.
Koyo; I confirm that we most certainly do the 'hands on' training that I mentioned. I should have said 'in addition to' these exercises. The grammar could have implied we didn't do them, which is most definately NOT the case. Sorry about that.
It ( the open the panel option), came about from watching technicians swap, for eg, a DME receiver in troubleshooting a reception problem. With the right tools, usually just a screwdriver, the appropriate panel is open in a matter of seconds. Trying to fight a fire without realistic access to the source is virtually mission impossible.
Others; The overweight landing exercise sounds like a good one for the Sim. Interesting to calculate or appreciate the distances required etc but hopefully it would give you some insight into what it feels and performs like, especially when your already in a non standard situation with mask and goggles on etc.
I agree with the viewpoint land ASAP and with the two cocpit crew there isn't a great deal of spare time to persue investigations into whats going on behind 'this' or 'that' panel. I guess it's something I considered with the luxury of 20/20 hindsight.
It may come into play if
1) you are mid Atlantic or similar and
2) you do have a little time (?) prior to ditching
Something like being between a 'Rock' and a 'Hard Place' eh? Hopefully a situation we will not see again, but for the next few years at least there are still those aircraft around with thermal and electrical insulation that do not satisfy the 'new' standards.
Sobering thought, giving weight to the 'Land ASAP' plan.