I think this is an appropriate subject in the PPL course
Yup, and it is required for the helicopter PPL. Both no pedals, and stuck pedals, and generally right through to a landing that way. I have been amazed at the demonstrations of skill and finesse in this regard shown to me by instructors.
Simply the discussion of the topic is worthwhile. Following a previous post of the same story I presented at the beginning, another PPRuNer posted that in that situation, (high downforce required to maintain control) just put the plane into a tight turn, and left the g balance out some of the pitch force. You might not solve the problem, but you can at least get a break while you figure out the next step - simple! Why had no one ever told me that during training?