Mintflavour,
During an MEPL test I expect people to follow the standard patter and to move the stick "sufficiently far forward to unstall the wing" slightly before smoothly adding power. Some people seem to think they need to enter a 30 degree dive and some slam the throttles open - either of these actions will lead to a reminder of the requirement for "minimum height loss" and a question about why throttles need to be handled smoothly (especially near the stall) before (usually) being given a second chance.
Is it possible that you were guilty of stuffing the nose down too far and causing excessive height loss?
HFD