CptRegionalJet
It was the LE slats on both sides that retracted due to 2+3 being both inboard engines. As you say though it could have been interesting if it had only been one reverser! [edit] I seem to remember that the system would retract both LE slats symmetrically irrespective of which engine was causing the problem to prevent asymmetric wing loading.
As to the SOP for retracting the gear I have to come clean and say I don't know as I don't currently fly the 744. However I would suggest that the drag caused during retraction could possibly even be less than when the gear is fully deployed judging by the number of wheels dangling down and their retraction sequence. At the time the desire to get the gear up and hence drag down to cancel the stick shaker would probably have been foremost. Especially if there was no suitable terrain below anyway.
Best to ask someone current on the aircraft.