MD - Mariner's observations.
Thats a pretty good summation of the MD, mariner; it is an aircraft that requires proficiency.
The original idea to reduce the stabiliser was reasonable given the arm change that occurred with the fuselage extension. Unfortunately, the aircraft also has other "minor changes" that do change the flow conditions of the stabiliser and elevators. (if you want to know what, PM me and I will provide some reference material to indicate what is occurring).
I'm not rated on the MD, but I have done HQ on it, in relation to accident and incident investigation, and a couple of issues were notable. 1, the simulator aero model is very much constrained to normal operational envelope, ie it is anywhere from inconsistent to wildly erroneous as you proceed outside of the normal envelope (these including areas that the operators train within); 2, the aircraft is prone to PIO particularly in high altitude operations without LSAS, but also in the flare; 3, is susceptible to flow related damage when operated outside of the buffet boundary. The machine meets the requirements of the Part, but is arguably on the higher side of nice on the C-H HQ scale. The stick force gradient is normal. (I am testing one non part 25 aircraft at present that has two distinct ranges of static instability, and it was considered by the powers that be to be suitable for fairly low time fodder to fly... it is interesting, but definitely demands care and respect). The Scud has a repeated failure mode of the wing with hard landings, which certainly suggests it be good practice to avoid operations occasioning high isolated wheel ground impacts. Caveat: my experience with the aircraft is a number of years ago, and there have been some beneficial and overdue changes incorporated to the FMGS and other systems.
With all of that, it still is a neat aircraft, and handles nicely enough, but all round, with the high approach speeds that are characteristic of the fleets operation as a freighter coupled with a very simple flap system (nice though), on dark nights, tired crew etc, it is a handful.
Personally, I think that the addition of a HUD is a nice secondary solution to the aircraft's tiger-by-the-tail reputation. The HUD gives a good indication of any increasing sink rate on short final, (CLK dynasty bingle) and also an indication of the initial effectiveness of flare input WRT flight path.
The stability issue and the approach speed are eminently possible to modify, but I doubt that any current user wants to pay for the necessary STC. (The plane is ripe for a reduction in approach speed in the order of 15% with simple modifications, which would also alter the trim condition favourably).
Love the DC/MD's sunroom, great place to enjoy the view from. The systems and automatics otherwise were years ahead of the competition. FWIW, while I really like the MD, I think that the Capt's that give away sectors to low time new crew need to be given medals for valor.