Auto Throttle Resistance
Just a thought but I too experienced a lack of thrust in the sim on my 777 type rating due to my hand preventing auto throttle movement. I had come from the 737 and noted at the time that the resistance required to prevent AT movement was far less than on the 737. I have never flown the 747 so cannot comment on this type. I wonder if 744's have the same "resistance" as 748's for example?
This occurrence would never prevent the ability to resolve the issue with an adequate scan/FMA awareness etc but it may cause the onset.