Re MD-11 handling in strong and gusty crosswinds, it is essential to carry power all the way to touchdown; some disconnect the autothrottles on short final, others hold the throttles forward (a technique I find counter-intuitive). More than a few pilots new to the type have been rewarded with bone crunching landings when, at 35’ RA the throttles go to idle as they are simultaneously kicking the crab out. (The ‘yard sale’ maneuver)
Spooled up engines also provide for a hasty escape should a nasty bounce occur.
That being said, she’s a fine aircraft, crisp at the controls, a pilot's airplane in every sense. Getting to know her just takes a little more patience than most.