If the PF believed that the protections would allow them to pitch up and climb safely then the whole conversation about altitude was moot.
The conversation about the altitude does not prevent the pilot think he can easily take more altitude .. if it has the protections active ..
If a problem occur (too much altitude) .. protections will act
Why not try ...
Those 4 minutes (yes .. they were startled for 4 minutes ..a long time for experienced pilots .. no ? ) were just ...the game " trying anything and we will see " ...
They just not try one thing ... push .. push forward the stick ....
Again .. the "surprise" effect ... ?