Not trying to defend the MCAS or anything, but wouldn't the last line of defense be the pilots' proficiency to identify the immediate problem and hit the Stab Trim cutout switch if there's a runaway trim in any event? Ample type-specific flight training in this case plays the biggest role in whether one is capable of saving the plane from crashing or not, in spite of not having the "paid" AoA indicator. Granted, the MCAS might've gone rogue on the ET flight, but pilot error seems to be the ultimate cause that sealed the aircraft's fate ..
As evident in the DPS-CGK Lion flight, crew handled the situation pretty well. Landed the plane safely.
Just my 0.02
Last edited by Rolesium; 16th Mar 2019 at 00:11.