For the descent, especially in Airbus aircraft it really depends what mode you are in as to what ROD and pitch angle you get as in a managed profile speed is the key driver, so therefore your pitch angle will vary through the various levels to meet constraints and speed targets. For least fuel, in a low aircraft congestion area pitch and speed will remain fairly constant. However in London, you rarely use a managed profile as headings and constraints will change what the FMGC has predicted. If you descend at flight idle with a selected speed, again pitch will vary to maintain the speed and roughly ROD of about 2000 - 2500fpm. I use the 3 x rule for height you need to lose plus a mile for any speed you need to lose per kt. I guess what I am trying to say is that you rarely achieve a constant descent glide angle - except for a long approach to LGW / LHR!! Best to expect the unexpected. Better to be slighty under the profile and if your going down you cant slow down!!!!
Just to complicate things further, A good technique I use to accelerate and climb, is to do so with a selected ias then you of course also increase your mach as you climb, however there will be some trade off with ROC (well for airbus aircraft anyway - fuel hungry boeings can do what ever they like!) It works for me.