I am with gums on this one, in terms of "if something moves the flight control surfaces, the pilots need to be aware that it exists and how it helps them, and thus some training/education is required." Also needed for safe operations is "what turns it on or off" if it moves the flight control surfaces.
That quoted "executive" needs a talking to from the pilot's union.
Anything that is built can break, anything with computer code or electricity involved can malfunction.
Question on the MEL: is one AoA sensor INOP a downing discrepancy? I'd assume so, but I've been surprised before.