The whole FLCH discussion is much more fun over too many beers. First time I saw it come up was in the NRT Sports Bar where we had a transplanted ALT to MSP capt with an old head MSP FO, me and my LAX Capt. The other FO, trying to get over/around some weather at one of the islands had asked for "FLCH, continuous thrust, bug me to XXX Knots" to which the answer was, "what?" I would have asked for "mountain climb mode"

My instance was that it must be "FLCH." If it's "flight level change" then the button above it would have to be "vertical navigation"

Like I said, a much better story over beer

I think most of the differences are driven by something else. For example, the radio head differences are due to the crazy town that is ATL. AWABS procedures and where it is in the checklist drives the Capt to setting the TO trim. Etc, etc.

Ain't no big th'ing.............it's all 6 of one, half dozen of the other. As for the FMC, when in Rome do as the Romans do.

Ferd