>I can't see the point in step climbing. Surely a sustained, trimmed, shallow climb is preferable, and will return the same or better average RoC without having to flirt with Vyse from time to time?<
We use that technique all the time in underpowered citation jets at high altitudes. It is again using your jet engine power which is insufficient to maintain an adequate climb and subsidising that power by adding the kinetic energy created in level flight.
While in a citation 2 you may struggle from FL350 and pan out trying to achieve FL370 at a given weight and conditions. You can get up there by allowing the aircraft to accelerate and then use the jet power plus the kinetic energy to give you the climb to FL370
Pace