Did it work for you though?

I don't think it's of any real benefit. The only moment of "benefit" would have been as you and your board were slightly air-borne and that gave power to the kite to pull you harder - but for a mere milli-second. Because by the time you pushed the board into the water, that would cause (should) you to slow down. I sometimes have no choice but to "pump" the board in what surfers do, to get over the chop where I kite. But I use it more deliberately for popping and jumps though.

Just ride the darn thing and don't bunny hop!

No you're right it works but more in the way of absorbing the impact of on coming waves and chop in my opinion (I kite open ocean) also sin your kite up over the rollers to pull you up and over the top