Hey Taildragger,
I don't know who your instructor is/was, but I was toughs to fly the airplane. That means moving the controls, not just watching airplanes. That's why we have controls....
This is not your doing, but the "Death Spiral" is just one of those hanger-rat stories spread by people that doesn't take the time to learn the real cause and effect of their actions or observations when it comes to flying airplanes.
Phew....

I had a horrible day. Sorry
Willem