It has probably no bearing here but ATC should question itself if it is a good idea, to vector a plane around in 30 second intervals if it already stated flight control problems. You would think that they immediate trade that as emergency even when not declared. That vectoring distracts the already over 100% mentally loaded crew.
If that WSJ report is correct you might wonder if SWA might get sued by some victims too. By contract forcing an aircraft manufacturer to cut corners on certification sounds strange.