But initial MCAS used described as .06 per second giving .54 degrees max or per activation - thats still a lot but apparently within ' allowable"
seems that the higher math involved was beyond the management involved
It was first set at 0.6 for the high speed departure and maneuvering issues, which is reasonable.
THEN, in flight testing, the there was low speed stall issues identified. This when MCAS was blindly changed to 2.5 degrees, (which is reasonable at low approach speeds) but not at high speeds.
The change was made apparently without regard to the flight conditions...
This is why you have 2.5 degrees at high speeds.