On a high wing plane with a low thrust line, down thrust will help to keep the nose from pitching up with the application of thrust.

On a low wing plane with a high thrust line the application of thrust tends to pitch the nose down. Down thrust will intensify this downward pitching.

I would be very careful about rapidly opening the throttle when close to the ground at low airspeeds. Not the most forgiving setup if you have to "go around" and try another landing.

Perhaps the excessive incidence is required to counter the down thrust.

Adrian