On the 321 i was always taught to be called a retard twice before bringing the levers back. I don't listen to the callout much now just make sure all is well and if sink rate builds up just knock the levers slightly forward of the climb gate to get more power for a second or so and then retard. When i am a trainer!!!!!!!!!!!! I will teach to look at what's going on as well as listen to the callout as IMHO some trainers put too much emphasis on automatics in the bus.
Why didn't the captain call pitch so the f/o could flatten the attitude at the specified 7.5 degrees??