AdamFrish:
It doesn't explain all of it, but could be a possibility. I've myself had a partial engine failure in a twin and know how confusing things can get. And the one thing that will instantly solve all your problems in assymetrical flight - except the obstacle clearance one (which wasn't a factor here) - is to reduce the power on the remaining engine. That's the fix-all.
We're not talking about a Cessna 310, or such. A Boeing transport category jet with OEI simply does not have assymetrical flight issues at, or above, V2, and with the proper use of rudder. And, putting the gear back down defies the ground-rules of flying an OEI takeoff profile. Same with reducing thrust on the remaining engine. That is out of the question at this stage of a OEI takeoff profile.