I've 3500 hrs on TriStars but haven't flown them since 1987.
Didn't like manual approaches with DLC because the normal clue of pitch change was much reduced. Some people would hit the TOGA (after disabling auto throttle) to disable DLC for landing to allow them to 'play the runway' but good point re the enhanced GA energy it provided.
Hydraulics weren't entirely 'unsinkable'. Crew had a tyre blow at Karachi and (thankfully) elected to stop. The debris took out three systems leaving only D. I've flown the sim on D alone and it is not a pleasant experience. (if I've got any of the detail wrong then I'm sure Tim or a member of his crew will correct me).