Hmm, I'm not sure. Exchanging speed for height gives you more options simply because you are higher. Maintaining alt will probably be better if you are already heading in the general direction of a good landing spot. However, it would probably take valuable time to confirm that is the case.
I'm not sure of the idea of a zoom climb, not sure what one is, but that sounds like you just yank back on the stick to use inertia as well as speed to carry you up. Would that be a better way than just say pointing the nose 10deg up?
I really think such moments are not a time for analysing. I would always endeavour to make the first instinctive action the one that, on balance, would probably present me with more options.