Re. the duct press you get out of Hotel-mode; you are actually allowed (as per FCOM,not to hand so please - don't ask me for a reference) to bring the RH powerlever forward to the gust lock stop to increase Nh and thus airflow.
Of course, this is a very good way of finding out if your prop-brake is worn & prone to slip
...
A lot of the airlines that haven't had much luck with the propbrake are the ones that could not convince their crews the SE taxi is done on no. 2 only
(as in exclusively, every time, but not exceptions, don't even contemplate it etc. etc.).