The last jet I flew...if you wanted thrust reverse with slats deployed, you got it.
In the BA incident, the autostow feature of the slats was triggered by false signals that the reversers were deployed. It is a little wacky and you would think this automatic leading edge retraction would be inhibited in the air. I suppose it gives the 744 better landing distance numbers somehow.
The claim that aerobatic experience helped with recovery from the improper leading edge configuration is remniscent of Captain 'Hoot' Gibson's high altitude TWA 841 upset years ago:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TWA_Flight_841_(1979)
Hoot said at the time that his aerobatic training allowed him to regain control of the aircraft.