Hi sonicbum,
I have tried to configure F2 and then Gear Down and all of that with ATHR still on
If you have been following the discussion in the thread "Simulator Training for strong crosswind landings", you will see some of us are concerned about sim fidelity. Your experience above reinforces the idea that the sim is easily managed despite doing things contrary to QRH guidance. The aircraft may behave differently - else why did Airbus bother to write the QRH procedure?
The sim is great for practicing the correct procedures - but don't believe the sim is 100% accurate.