Rob - Thank you very much for that great explanation!
It makes sense to grab the handle on the plastic end of the hose where the cord plugs in. For above the floor cleaning, I guess it's best to hold onto a stretch of the chrome part of the handle....even though your wrist might bump into the cord receptacle a lot.
I actually think the "gas pump" handle created for the Eureka Express is the nicest, most compact and comfortable power nozzle hose handle I've seen - not too bulky at all like the Panasonics, Kenmores and Hoovers of the 1980's! 
