not setting too high a vertical speed at altitude for fear of stalling etc.
CustardPSP
Never use VS for climbing especially high altitude! either use IAS mode if you have it or manually trim the climb with the autopilot trim wheel or the main trim wheel
manually trimming at least it focuses your attention when you are trying to coax more climb.
VS can be a killer and a number of accidents have occurred with a distracted pilot in VS and the stall that occurs
Use vertical speed for descent only
Not really directed at you as I don't think you meant that but a point worth noting
Pace