To throw my two pence in...
If cleared for a VOR approach with a descent to 2600' on the outbound, i would hold my cleared level until "beacon outbound" at which point i'd commence the descent regardless of what my VNAV wanted to do.
On another similar point. If flying level in the hold (eg 3000'), cleared for the approach which includes an outbound descent to a platform altitude (eg 1900') for the inbound turn do ATC expect you to commence descent immediately on leaving the beacon "outbound" or will they accept you descending when the VNAV commands for its continuous 3 degree descent path.
In our a/c the kit will maintain the holding altitude until it's in a position to fly a constant descent including a descending inbound turn to intercept the glideslope (from below, just) if you let it.