Bob and Larry,
Yes, I completely agree that the best news is that the pilot successfully executed an off-field landing and is alive and well. It has to be a very frightening experience. That temptation to turn back is pretty strong, especially if you are worried about bending up your beauty.
In terms of the forward speed, I have read extensively on the subject in preparation for a day that I hope never happens to me or anyone else. I will conclude with what many of the experts concluded which is that a small miss in gauging the flair point can result in significant G-force on your spine. Their conclusion was to fly it onto the ground well above stall speed at close to zero vertical speed. Of course, you have to be over terrain that supports such a plan. Here in Indiana as you know Bob, that's not usually a problem.