My ha'pennorth..
atomic, as for the heavy aeroplane/slat retraction thing, good thinking with flying a slower speed until level for slat retracation, but do you use the 'flaps auto retract' when Vmax is reached?
In my experience this moves Vmax right out of the way and allows for F zero selection at S speed in the normal way, so you can create a bit more of a margin between your speed and VLS.
Also, haven't felt the need to try it myself, but with THR CLB and Managed SPD, can't you just leave it alone? It 'should' pitch up to prevent overspeed at VMAX + something or other. And would you get a ECAM warning before the pitch-up or after? Must check the books.
FWIW my company has no problem with arming APPR at greater than 8000'agl, in fact, it is often (though with a few drawbacks) used to slow to green dot for the hold, particularly on the A321. Or are you referring to arming it with a view to capturing ther GS/LOC at 8000'+/long way out?
I've found that on some very long straight in apps it sort of rocks from side-to-side with LOC* at very long ranges. Best thing to do, either go HDG or just fly using that little black handrest on the Right hand side (or left!).
TTFN
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So what's my left hand for?