I can't confirm it is true of the 744. However, the following that you quote:-
The vertical speed window on the MCP unblanks and synchonizes to the present V/S.
It will synchronize to 000 if the previous mode was:
#ALT (Altitude Hold)
#Takeoff or go-around and the vertical speed is negative"
seems clear to me - the V/S window opens at your current vertical speed (and can then be adjusted). If you had been in Alt Hold mode, it will open at zero. If you were in take-off or go-around modes but descending, it will also open at zero - commanding to remain level.
Don't know if that helps or not.