Yup, at the 50t it makes it harder for the trainer to snap the brake down for sprints.
On trick no matter the gear, if you want to stay in ERG, is to slow your cadence before the kick intervals. I slow from a typical 95rpm down 10-30rpm slower before, and I jump HARD as soon as the Resistance comes on from the app.
This increases the power a bit faster than waiting on the trainer alone.