Agree on the TR flapback - It does happen and thus it has translational lift too. It is also subject to a constant 'flare' effect which helps to reduce TR power requirment in forward flight (one reason we put in more right pedal as speed increases).
But it all means nothing if the thing does not rotate or its blades fell off!
And you are right, a little throttle tweak here and there helped the old girl to stay stable.....