Firefly, Cent, BOAC,
The latest FCTM (Oct 31, 2008) has various references to this but the following are probably most applicable:
Reverse Thrust Operation (Page 6.48)
“After touchdown, with the thrust levers at idle, rapidly raise the reverse thrust levers up and aft to the interlock position, then to the number 2 reverse thrust detent. Conditions permitting, limit reverse thrust to the number 2 detent.”
Minimum Brake Heating (Page 6.48)
“• select maximum reverse thrust as soon as possible after main gear touchdown. Do not wait for nose gear touchdown. The intention is to use reverse thrust as the major force that stops the airplane. The use of maximum reverse thrust further minimizes brake heating”
Putting these two statements together it appears that the Boeing intention for a non-min brake heating landing, ie a normal landing, is for a two stage application of reverse thrust. In practice few people consciously do this, but since the sleeves take a finite time to travel I doubt that there is anything to be gained by the two stage technique.
S&L