however for single engine a/c it is probably more consistent to teach pitch for speed because at some point you will need to teach them PFL's, glide approaches and EFATO. Much easier to do these exercises i think if they are already using pitch for speed.
Really you are talking about engineless situations or going to the basic glider.
Going up from that we have light aircraft which are low powered and draggy
With those pitch for speed comes next to the glider. Hence pitching is more relevant especially with low experience students where you need to keep them away from the stall spin situation.
As you get to more powerful aircraft pitching for speed becomes less important while using all the energy available and playing with the two becomes more important.
At what point do you teach the student to identify and use both energy supplies? because both theories are incorrect in total ie pitching for speed or power for speed.
The only correct principal is a combination of both and the correct instincts to use both as one.
Pace