Induced Drag..You the Man and I agree completely. That is SOP out here in Canada and had the priveledge of learning exactly the way you describe. Personally think all students in Robbo's should fly the first 25 hours with thumb and forfinger on throttle only but that's just me.
Now would somebody go find that poor pilot and sit her ass back in a machine! Your company would probably benefit greatly in the long run!
2 cents
BWB