I don't think the pilots involved had forgotten how to trim..
The MAX stab trim switch configuration is a disaster in the making.
On the NG, it went from Stab Elec and/ or AP....on the MAX, either switch discos the entire electric stab system.
There is little need for the MCAS to prevent pitch up stall...BUT what it does do is when there is an AoA disco, as on the crash, it kicks in.
So far, it appears that MCAS initiates on AoA disagree or disco...so.
So, lets say they dont fix the switch config (pri/alt)...the Ac has an AoA disco and MCAS kicks in, you cancel that by flipping the stab trim switch.
NOW...all ELEC and AP functions of stab trim are dead and you are in manual stab trim mode...
no elec or AP capabilities...
On TO, enroute or ARR, now you have manual trim with defective AoA readings.....
How many pilots out there can deal with a TO with manual trim...
Enroute with manual trim...
and ARR with manual trim?
FMD, this is not something I want to have to deal with...
...