I hate to toss another variable into the ring, because I cannot taste any differences between decocted and infusion mashed either. I have done a couple and loved the experience, but it add so much complexity to the work and clean up involved that I have since stopped doing it.
So, just noodling around here - -> While melanoidin formation is temperature development, it is also sensitive to pH. If you are pulling a thick decoction, I would assume that the stabilized pH will rise during boil as the starches are burst and the husks, endosperm and other structures are degraded. It makes sense to me that the pH would rise more quickly in a thick decoction than in a thin or all wort decoction as the water is driven off by boiling. And more specifically, the first decoction in most schedules seems to be pulled right at or just before the mash is fully gelatinized. That is pure speculation however.
At some point (I don't know where) the pH may rise, allowing for some melanoidin development... it is common in the culinary world to use acids (vinegars, wines, etc.) to reduce carmellization and melanoidin development when cooking light proteins.
I never checked decoction pH's relative to the mash... so... and I don't see anything specific in Kai's tests other than general statements of keeping the mash pH between 5.2-5.6. There has to be a lot more going on in the decoction than just darkening of the wort.
I can find lots of papers that reference high pH contribution to melanoidin development (especially rate of development) in various protein rich scenarios, but none that are brewing specific. It may not apply here.
I suppose this could be tested by pulling a thick decoction and adding some measured baking soda to raise the alkalinity level slightly (say to 5.8 at room temps) - but would require an offsetting acid requirement when it is returned to the mash. With the super modified malts we are using, not sure it would prove anything anyway.