Concur with your observations, henra.
B2N2, they were still ~35nm away from HOU, so just keeping in mind, drawing no conclusions,
Tim Vasquez's work near the start of the thread regarding cloud & turbulence in the aircraft's path and altitude approaching the Trinity Bay.
HOU ATC was apprising them of weather and possible detours. I'm sure the NTSB is examining what route all other aircraft in that area took to find out what their experience was. Same thing was done during the AF447 investigation.