Durn picky hacker types.
Ok, that got me wondering. I did break out a stopwatch, and while my timing isn't precise (not enough hands) it is close enough.
You are right, 7 seconds is what it takes, at least the couple times I tried it. But at 7 seconds it only blanks the screen, you can let go and it works, but the Apple logo can take an additional 7 seconds to appear. And that is probably the source of confusion.
I also tried it with the iPad turned off. The logo appears early, but I'm guessing that is the normal startup. If you wait the full 7 seconds the screen blanks and it starts again, probably with the full reset.
Of course, if the iPad is totally messed up, maybe it does take longer. Hard to tell without a way of inserting various problems, and I don't know if any problems exist that could slow down the interrupts without bricking the entire iPad.
Had to look up anorak. My dictionary only mentions the jacket, but I think I get gist of the expression.