TH, Ah semantics. Dont ya just love it. I would suggest a better phrase to describe what goes on in the flare as a change in the direction of relative airflow. Descent as a word is strongly indicative of going downwards.
I suggest you read nicks post (3) in this thread re: power requirements in the hover
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=157371
By the way Its a gorgeous day. I'm going flying now.