Thanks for the comments. Perhaps this issue is too new. I've got some feelers out with Boeing and IFALPA (co-producer with ICAO of the red book) to see what the intent of the wording is. I'll pass them along through this forum if/when available.
On the subject of ditching in the North Pacific, I've heard it said that one should not attempt to ditch there at less than a -10 degree attitude
