Agreed. Although 'lever down' is part of the generally accepted recovery , IMO , it is more of an attempt to make clear in the mind-set of the 'victim' that 'normal' rules no longer apply and raising lever in response to increased sink rate is futile. Once fully-developed I have found a very stable elegant aerodynamic condition (v. high R.O.D.) and have still had good cylcic authority (Offshore; not also true in your types? inertesting.) to maintain or 'fly out' of V.R. - min hight loss recovery being Attitude (only) till VR eliminated then Power up and nose up to climb - recoveries which reach more than 30-40 kts are just energy (height)inefficient. IMO.
Auto recovery is nice (but does not minimise height loss).