You got it Ocean, Airbus only tries to release workload, you can always override the autothrust, but the protection gives you a steady as posible ground speed at flare, it doesnt matter yor IAS target at approach is 160 or 170 your Ground speed will be as steady as possible (VAPP).
Dont want to make a debate either, i dont have Heavy Boeing experience, soon i will, and i ll be able to compare them and have a flight criteria which is the important thing to have.
cheers