Lack of high level handling is the common feature in commercial flying for all aircrafts. Actually non FBW are more tricky to handle as they are very sensitive at altitudes. FBW aircrafts high altitude handling does not differ in pitch in normal and alternate law. In alternate roll is conventional but when aircraft holding the flight path it becomes easier. The point is roll or rate of roll was not the cause. The aircraft was pitched up and held there otherwise there is sufficient margin from VSW even at FL350 for the rock n roll.