Memory is decades old, so details may be a little off.
No, that's spot on, Megan, I remember it well - a huge forward cyclic input required on entering auto, and also the strong tendency to roll opposite the direction of yaw if out of balance because of the heaps more surface area below the c of g.
The writing leaves the impression that it takes time ( I.e., getting to a new steady state condition ) for the aerodynamics to take effect.
Fair enough that there would be an immediate change in angle of attack on the stab due to the change in downwash, but there'd also be a little bit of lag while the rate of descent built up, wouldn't there? That's all I meant.