BOAC,
Have to dissagree here.
Never follow the pitch-bar on initial climb-out as it only relates to the selected speed. Frequently, the F/D shows more than 20° up, which is an unusual attitude and can be catastrophic when you have an engine problem. Don't be a F/D slave, it is there to suggest you, not to command you, and in rotation, its suggestion is mostly incorrect.
The 3 degree per second is a good thing, but again, don't go passed 10° pitch on the 737 until 450'/min. The B737.800 will strike its tail at 11° pitch ( or just a bit more, forgot the exact number)
Just look at the Air Berlin, VEX, etc. SOP's. they write the same.
Good to share different opinions by the way. I'm only telling my view on the matter, in fact, there are many ways to fly the B737 safely.