Still a sizable pin head and a bigger target than a nail head. The weight of the adze blade is also a little ackward when used in the upside down direction. Possible, but I would just go over the surface with a real hammer and set then pick up the adze.

Also, re surfacing after a timber has been in use just seems like it would wreck havoc on the cutting edge of the adze, grit and what not.

Until I see some official document, pictures or writings, I will have to say any of these possible uses are just speculation.

http://www.industryrailway.com/p/296/spike-maul