doubleu-anker
Re badly constructed runways in Eastern Europe my experience is limited, you may have a point there but holding the nose off as a general practice is poor flying, especially in a Boeing as it is totally contrary to the AFM.
Re selecting reverse in a rear engined aircraft when the nose is still off the ground is a definite NO NO. Try it next time and don't be suprised that applying the reverse vector in such a position will swiftly sit your aircraft on it's arse, your CP will not be pleased.