Comments from a former nasal radiator:  we used AOA for approaches flown
so
as to be able to land on aircraft carriers.  Approach speed was two-three
knots above 1G stall speed and was the speed at which ANY elevator input
increased sink rate. 

Perhaps your memory is a little off... but "on speed" AOA was not 2 to 3 knots above 1 G stall speed. If that was the case, I would have had to use the Martin Baker alternate landing device many times. :)

 

Regards,

 

Jeff Edwards

A-6 bomardier/ navigator