Okay, I just saw this comment.
Previously-published speed controllers for BLDC motors require access to the individual coils of the motor to vary the coil drive, and involve either dedicated ICs or microcontrollers together with optical or back-emf rotor-position sensing arrangements
Can't explain why the instatanious current wouldn't be higher since the back emf subtacts from the supply voltage. Of course the ESR and inductance limits the rate of rise so maybe fan motors handle it a little better that the bigger motors with no protection against a stall.
I also like it because it will be hard to stall so if the voltage gets to low it will still limp along. Seems like it should also add a small amount of constant speed control.