"A fake tailwind causes the A/C to descend too early and increases overall fuel burn. VNAV PATH is not a speed mode, so by definition the speed cannot be low. VNAV PATH works with a 'target speed'. If the speed gets sufficiently below this target speed, it will correct by increasing the thrust (or give a 'thrust required' scratch pad message)."
While the above is true it does not apply to geometric descend.
I.e.: on STARs with more at or below fixes. Here thrust will be on in order to maintain FMC programmed speed, you can also OPEN the speed window, and stay in VNAV PATH and dial the desired speed...
