A2QFI, if I recall correctly, the Feel Trim Position Indicator mod came about to prevent people getting into that situation by ensuring that the tailplane was set to the correct value in the 'ideal' sector before hyd power from the aileron accumulator was dissipated?
Most sim rides invariably led to a manual reversion so that it became second nature. I was given a hyd fail in the air on the break by my QFI - and another trusted me to fly a manual roller at night. At Mona...
But an intimate knowledge of the longitudinal control sytem (Q-gearing, Cam K, scissor restrictors, locking pins, datum shift.....etc) and its foibles were essential for all students. Speed, Trim and Unlock sounded like a dodgy solicitors' office - but were pretty essential allies!
Sorry, thread creep.
Great indeed that those mates at Benson were able to give you that trip in the Merlin sim, BoeingMEL - I'm sure it was something you'll always remember with great fondness.