So you pitch for path and use thrust for your speed, right?
And you say that you've been flying jets for 30 years……
Maybe props, if not only sims.
I know its the oldest argument in the book but still, you have to be a bit more careful with you comments.
Regarding the A/T modes, what tems Boeing is using is totally irrelevant to the basic principles of flying we are discussing here.
I would suggest you buy a classic book, like Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators, and try studying again what controls what in large jet aircraft.
Go on, keep it coming.