Thanks for the two references Dan. I don't have access to the actual Airbus FCTM and none of my other references mention this practise. It's interesting that the two references you gave me contradict each other. One advocates configuring the plane (holding) and the other says it's fine to select down to VLS (intermediate approach). It seems to be vary according to comfort level and phase of flight because you just don't see people flying around a VLS. While it may be "safe", it's not comfortable, and I was wondering what different flight departments recommend.
Thanks again