I don't want to get into an argument about a side issue, but you did say
There have been trainees who "forgot" to flare and the landing gear can take the resultant rate of descent comfortably.
Take a look at
YouTube - DC 9 80 Hard Landing
Manufacturers don't publish ROD limits for landing- it depends on too many other factors like weight, landing on one leg first etc. But a straightforward no flare landing will put most aeroplanes in jeopardy.