I think I have a vague and basic idea of how the Airbus AT system works but I still don't see the point.
Why should you have to 'think of them as thrust limit switches' Throttles are and have always been a very basic control since the dawn of Aviation. What was the point of changing that ?
A backdriven, moving autothrottle system is a natural and constant reminder of the commanded engine thrust. You don't have to 'think' of it as anything other than what it is.
As you say Dan, there don't seem to be any advantages to the AB system. I don't really see the problem with the Boeing system either so I suppose you can get used to it.
I do think the Airbus system is still, potentially more confusing and pointlessly so.