Haven't found it a problem, although the closing method isn't recommended in flight at power setting higher than idle - in my manuals anyway. The closing method is primarily for landing. The TLs are closed drung the flare (the "REATRD" call reminds you should you forget! And it's not intended as an insult!!), the AT disconnects as you would expect and want. The only time I (personally) would use it would be to power up manually after a THR IDLE descent.
The reccommended book method is to align the TLs with the AT thrust setting by aligning the TL position indicator on the EPR (V2500) or N1 (CFM56) guage, then presssing the disconnect button. this gives a seamless transition from auto to manual thrust.