Aero, you appear to overlook the effects of startle; crew impairment for up to 30 sec, unconscious fight-or-flee reaction, and confusion.
In addition to the link given in #10, see the Australian research into startle at
http://www98.griffith.edu.au/dspace/...pdf?sequence=1
Also consider that having acted to 'restore' controlled flight, any reversal of the decision requires much greater evidence and time for deliberation; i.e. is more difficult to change you mind after acting because you have to understand why your action is not working in addition to understanding the 'situation' which required it.
The FO could have been just as startled. The startled Captain acts according to his ADI; the FO is startled by the Capts action in comparison with his ADI, perhaps questioning the accuracy of his (the FO) display. Such confusion takes time to resolve; add to that an unexpected overspeed alert, an apparent need to roll, and confusion reigns.
Startle, together with illusion and disorientation, are significant threats to human performance. Both crew members can be affected simultaneously; thus a core safety concept of cross monitoring is invalid.
Pilots are not 'numptys', but the effects of startle can give the appearance of such behaviour; it just human.
P.S. Another version of the research.
https://flightsafety.org/asw-article...cal-reactions/
Note the lead authors aviation credentials.