Not sure that the rate of attitude change for the flare has been mentioned but I feel this can be a significant factor. Generally I think it is better to start the flare relatively higher at a slower rate rather than flaring lower and then having to change the attitude at a higher rate (which can risk driving the main wheels in also - I wonder if this is what is causing the "firm" landings?).
I am not suggesting of course that the flare is initiated at anything other than what the FCTM suggests but generally it is better to have a few "bites of the cherry" and a slower rate of change of pitch means you have more room for manoeuvre and adjustment.
Nowhere in my visualisation was the FIRM untidy landing that I managed to achieved!!
Ok maybe the landing was "firm" but assuming it was not a "heavy" landing what's wrong with that? Was the landing on or close to the TDZ, on the centreline etc - not sure what you mean by an "untidy" landing - can you be more specific?