[QUOTE
"So here we have an airplane design spec that was most likely not taking into account the aerodynamic behaviour of relocating the engines. I bet the problem was only detected after some test flying of the new airplane. So time runs out, a redesign of the aircraft is now impossible and so a software patch is called for to get better stall protection."
Clearedtocross, suspect you are spot on with this, and it wouldn't be the first time this has occurred either.
I think Boeing will be lucky to have the aircraft back in the air within 6 months.