Thanks for the spin info, AstraMike.
If for some reason the cg were aft of the center of lift at time of stalling, the plane would tend to slide backwards, tail low, then level out as the tail gained lift, then do some other dance. I reckon it would be akin to a falling leaf in its maneuvers, rather than like a falling rock, which would indeed retard the descent.
As for stall and spin testing of the A330, I would be shocked if they didn't at least do heavy stalls, with a spin chute at the ready. I'm sure those test results are getting scrutiny right now.
GB