I cannot speak as an expert in Boeing's technical capabilities, however I did find this article useful in understanding some of the rationale behind the decision to implement MCAS.
MCAS Rationale
The origin must be as a result of trying to squeeze more fuel efficiency out of the airframe by moving the engines forward and upward and changing the nacelle design. (As described by Boeing to AA Pilots recently)
Perhaps an AA pilot might be prepared to share the input.
IG