First, I would descend at the
Vb speed (turb penetration). Keep the aircraft in tact. Who wants to loose the tail or a wing? Don't "Red line" it.
Next, atmospheric pressure is 50% at 18,000 ft.
The emergency is from 40,000 ft to 18,000 ft. Thats where you need to get down in a hurry.
Below 18,000 ft there is no longer an "emergency". You still need to descend but it's not that critical any more. They will live at 18,000 and below.
We are still following procedures that were put in place just after the war and it's time to upgrade them.
Don't be a puppet. Start thinking.