LeadSlead
Total bs from a non 747 pilot. There is a huge pitch power couple on the 744, so much so that an application of TOGA from a stable approach requires a FORWARD control column input followed by forward trim is required to arrest the pitch up movement.
It might also be necessary on departure if thrust is advanced from reduced thrust to TOGA.
However the Boeing QRH stall recovery manoeuvre does not specifically say to reduce the thrust, however it does say only to "advance thrust levers as required".
However, in an out of limits trim situation when full nose down plus trimming isn't enough, if I had my wits about me I might try to reduce thrust. You have to unstall the wing to recover, regardless of what your altitude is.
Please note I am not suggesting there was anything these poor souls could have done. Their situation looks awful and unrecoverable.
LD (8000 hours and counting)