Restrictions depends on different ECS (pre or post MOD 30626), FWC standard and the aircraft type. Speedbrakes are related to the A319. Without all speedbrakes the AC is not able to get down to FL100 in time when the 2nd pack goes INOP.

What is so different with your A320s?
Our A320s still require speed brakes to be operative in order to plan FL 370.

Sorry, i choose my words wrong. Even when speedbrakes are operative the A319 is limited to FL370 with one pack U/S.
Our A320 and A321 can fly up to maximum when speedbrakes are OK.
Check out the MMEL.

A320 Angles
 

And what are they for the A320 with the Autopilot engaged? How much different are they to those of the A319? :cool:

I don't have an A320 QRH, but I assume AP OFF is not part of the Emergency Descent?

That would appear to be the case for the MEL above, but MELs in different parts of the world differ. Not all have FL370 as a limit. It may be exceeded with restrictions.

From a legality point of view there is no need to descend , as per the provision of MEL , as long as speed brakes ares operative. Airmanship might dictate otherwise depending on the situation , this is where captain decision comes into play and that's why robots haven't replaced pilots yet.

Similar question just to give food for thought . AC ESS BUS FAULT leads to the deactivation of cabin oxygen masks door ( Auto+manual are inop) and this is not even indicated in ECAM , just a little note on FCOM saying so. So now your pax don't have oxygen in case of depressuraziation.

Would you descent to FL250 ? Considering that your A320 has become an "ATR" , would you continue at FL390 because there is no "if scenarios" ?
Would you ask you your purser to use the Manual Release Tool to open manually all oxygen masks doors in the cabin scaring your pax , or would you stay quite and proceed to your destination?

If you descend consider the fuel penalty, not the cost but WX at destination, alternates and your minimum divert fuel.

Depends on your aircraft - keep an eye on the cabin alt and diff press. I've had a bleed fail in flight twice above FL315. One time, there was no problem, the other, the cabin alt started creeping up as it was an older aircraft with leaky door seals. We descended.

As in all cases, you need to know the procedures but also have the knowledge to apply them effectively. A bit of airmanship and common sense is always required.