When dead stick the most important thing to remember is airspeed, once that is done don't forget airspeed, oh did I mention airspeed. See a common thread here.
Airspeed is more important than making the runway. The only reason I can see holding up elevator is you're trying to get back to the runway.
Elevator controls speed a bit of up elevator slows the airplane down, since you're dead stick you can't add power to compensate. Down elevator using gravity will keep the airspeed up. Airspeed is more important then making the runway. I was in an IMAC competition once and on my first vertical up line went dead stick.
all I could do was get airspeed I flipped the airplane on it's back, rolled wings level, never raised the nose. Did not make the runway, but made a nice landing in the grass.
hope this helps