I don't think the comments are inappropriate or unfounded in any way specific to what we know. Without question the preliminary report is by it's nature both incomplete and does not paint an entirely accurate picture....however.
I do think that it is within reason to assume that had the PIC declared an emergency and stated both his intentions and instructions it would be noted in the report. Without question the engine failure itself is simply fate but the PIC's apparent
failure to exercise command is something entirely different. Had he announced his intentions to return to both and then instructed the LAME to deal with the engine/fire and the PM to handle the radio/look for alternative spots to ditch this flight might have had a different outcome...
At least for the unfortunate souls on the ground who perished. With command comes responsibility and regardless of all the other variables involved it appears that the PIC failed to meet this burden....again it's a harsh subjective (at this point) but not unreasoned observation. More so
if in fact there was no clear prefight brief for mechanic or other emergencies...
So you essentially know more or less nothing but reach a conclusion from a prelim report that doesn´t even get the date on it right ?
Your words: if, might , regardless of all other variables, appears....