One of the bigger problems for pilots these days are passengers who sit in 21J knowing how to fly the plane better than they do. Your impressions are mistaken- the gear would not come down 45 seconds before landing, the gear even on a 747 makes a noise, it certainly does on a 737, and passengers know best how much braking should be applied! The 'rapid descent after holding awhile'....that would be under the control of ATC. Do you think everybody wants your impressions of your flight and what you thought happened?