Originally Posted by
jagema
I wonder why MCAS is the only system in the aircraft that bypasses the Control Column Cutout Switches (and therefore the STAB OVRD switch). Normally a pilot pulling back on the control column couldn't trim nose down even if he tried. And vice-versa for push-down. However MCAS can freely trim down even if pilot is pulling back.
The requirement compliance that MCAS was introduced to address can involve the column being further aft than the position of the column cutout switch. Were MCAS subject to being interrupted by that switch, it would not be able to do the job for which it was designed.