Let's have a look at the DFDR traces:
Dozy,
the FCU would not be trying to hold the elevators in place if the PF let go.
The PF released (sort of) back-pressure on the sidestick between 02:12:15 and 02:12:30, without any change in the elevator (full nose-up). When he then moved the SS forward, the elevator moved away from the up stop, pitch attude decreased, and lift (normal acceleration) increased. Similar but slightly lesser responses between 02:13:45 and 02:14:00.
Machinbird,
The traces show similar responses in pitch when thrust is reduced between 02:11:45 and 02:12:15.