OK, only a single engine Lake amphib pilot here, but is there really any significant need to retract gear so early after takeoff in modern jet airliners?
Obviously there was an advantage to cleaning up the airframe in the case of light twins, and one can understand the need in the prop twins of yesteryear (DC3, CV240-440, M202/404, F27 etc). The only reason was to improve SE performance while low and slow.
But this old habit has persisted into the modern jet era, and my basic question is whether it is still operationally important.