TBT. I am sorry I didn't clarify. No In these circumstance and as also practiced in an emergency descent I would have gripped the CC firmly. The pressure required to move it is proportional to the displacement. That pressure, when released returns the CC to the neutral position. When the autopilot is engaged the CC is held in that neutral position, never anywhere else (i.e. not fully forward.)
I would imagine that you are correct, the SI would have replicated the seat and armrest positions, that does not ensure his forearm position was the same as in the photograph.