After twenty years of operation, the handling qualities of the MD11 are still a hot topic. There's really only two posiblities; you either love this aircraft or you hate it. For some reason people with experience on previous Long Beach products seem to have less problems with this airplane.
Huck I think you're dead right.
The secret to making decent landings in an MD11 is to disconnect the AP & AT at 10000' and
FLY & FEEL the airplane. That way, even if things go south due to reasons beyond your control, you're in the loop and you have time correct the situation; e.a. 7.5 pitch & TOGA, get the hell out of dodge.
However, If the prospect of hand flying an approach in this airplane scares you, please put in a bid to go on airbus....