In conventional airplanes flap extension has a significant negative pitch moment component and usually a net moment in the same direction. F/A-18 isn't a conventional design.
That really wasn't the question, though. Also as per the latest patch notes, the pitch down upon extending flaps has been resolved.
I know. I know that originally there was a pitch down. I know that it was brought to our attention that it should be a pitch up. I know that the conventional moment is pitch down. I know that ED acknowledged it and is changing it.
Who I'm talking to is the sloth-speed ED defenders that are still stuck in second gear defending the wrong simulation behavior because they defend instead of investigate as that is their mandate, not you.