BURflyer,
What do you mean about elitist Captains telling FO's to "level off at 500 fpm instead of 1000fpm"?
Are you talking about climb or descent rates? In a pressurized or unpressurized airplane? I'm kinda confused here as I'm a single engine unpressurized 135 guy. With 3500tt in AK. I'm not sure what you are talking about, but I was taught that passengers respond physiologically better when they are subjected to less than 500fpm altitude changes (descent). Kids and babies, around 200fpm. Especially with head colds or dental problems. I'm lost. Are you always pressurized when descending?