Jed,
Am I missing something? If you don't 'pull' when you select VS, nothing will happen and 45 seconds later the VS will disappear?
If we are talking of intercepting a GS from above, the essentials are LOC or LOC star, then ALT above (don't pull), followed by selected VS. Your configuration would depend on just how 'pear shaped' the approach has become.
As far as maximum descent I agree with your plan but wonder whether we can now do better with Full Flap, as partial speedbrake is now available on the later MSN's? I don't have ready access to the Sim these days. Any comments?
GB