I agree with your thought BOAC.
Unfortunately the 737 was NOT designed to be flown manually with the A/T engaged..(FMS not in sync with the A/T etc etc).Thus the obvious issues of 'dialling up' the approach speed on disconnecting A/T for landing.However,larger jets ARE designed to be flown manually WITH the A/T engaged and ON.All the way to reverse thrust.Wherein the A/T automatically disconnects.But is still armed.
Therefore doesn't the 737 logic apply on these larger jets?
That is.....fly the higher speed upto touchdown?
Or are we presuming an extremely responsive A/T all the way to touchdown...?? Which obviously comes with its cons of HUGE pitch changes very close to the ground in gusting conditions.Which gets me to the start of another thread......."Would you rather fly a gusty approach on autothrust or manual thrust"....
Well.....thats for another decade.....