The master of learning to fly, one Wolfgang Langweische in his book, "Stick and Rudder" is of the power to flight path and pitch for speed.
BUT he makes the exception for ultra precise flying.
We teach the idea you power because small planes frequently run out of excess power. Super fighter jets are a bit different as they usually have plenty of power .
BUT ALL PLANES when power is lost can be flown with pitch for airspeed.
AT some point, pilots understand which technique to use when. BUT if you are a novice, pulling back to go up does not always work.