Silvaire
I totally agree with your comments but the OP started the thread taking about not agreeing with pitch for speed. My point is that he is partially right as both concepts pitch for speed or power for speed in their own right are wrong.
If you look at my previous posts I talked about Gliders in still air relying totally on pitch for speed and light powered aircraft more towards pitch for speed. aircraft like the lightning are at the other end of the scale power for speed being able to vertically go up to 40K on thrust alone.
With especially students the emphasis has to be pitch for speed for just the reasons you point out.
Having said that why does the Citation I fly use pitch for descent on the glideslope autopilot engaged and thrust to control speed? Obviously that works too.
It is really energy management two sources of energy from the airframe in pitch and from the engine. Both are best suited in different situations and relying on skills for one alone is asking for trouble.
Somehow I dont think I am getting my point over very well!!
It is the juggling of both sources as needed which is the correct way.
Pace