old bloke,
the auto pilot was engaged thefore there would have been no backward pressure of the control column until AP disconect and the captains 'recovery'.
As the aircraft slowed down the autopilot would increase the pitch inorder to maintain the selected altitude.Not a pilot induced pitch up.
As per previous posts I believe the captain deliberately allowed the speed to decay in order to be at a stable approach speed.
The problem is the increased speed required for icing conditions did not enter his model of the universe. Hence he slowed down way too much.
As to the co pilot her model of the universe was equally as bad if not worse.