However, abiding by the simple rule, if the aircraft does not do what you want it to do, grab control (physically do it yourself with stick, rudder and throttle) solves all problems.
Indeed, and it might even work on an airbus.
The ALT CAP thing is something we encounter a lot, especially in out -700s. Those are quite often light weight and climb rates in excess of 4000fpm up into the mid 300s are normal, which can preclude the reduced rate in the last 1000ft before level off since ALT CAP becomes active too early. Simple thing to do if one doesn't want to disconnect the autopilot is to push the yoke a bit, CWS will work just fine. Disconnecting the AP works just as well of course.