a question of definition

well, my dragonlord lei fei is still at it (after being demoted once and regained the position). I've perfected my attacks and timing including various attacks. my flatmate, an avid gamer and also an vice-chief editor of a large gaming site in israel, asked me the following question:
during an opponent's crumble or plain falling down, does +,, considered to be a "down attack" (as in or ), or is it considered a follow of a combo/ float move?
to me it seems as a down attack (which, btw, causes substantial damage, unlike the other down attacks, since i've been able to nail at least three strikes of that move, where as the other defined down moves only hit once). your opinions?

 

It's not considered a down attack, but if you MC with the first kick, the next two kicks will connect. Because Lei-Fei lays on his back during this attack, you can avoid mid rising mid kicks if you perform it early enough. A good time to try it is after his + throw. Aside from that, I don't think it's useful for anything else except catching someone off guard.