It is a question of dispute. Who do you allege was trying to keep it a "secret"? What is a fact is that Boeing did not realize who they were selling airplanes to.
Nope -They knew exactly who they were selling to- the MAX had to be' the same ' as the NG other than cheaper to fly, and a few new shiny objects. And NO extra sim time. SW who was a major customer said if sim time. cut us a check for 1 Million per plane.
The most egrious issue was allowing a single sensor to take control from the pilot. And no mention, no flags, and no change relating to that issue in the paperwork. All else flows- follows from that choice. AS to pilots- ' average' doesn't cut it - west half of the bell curve always applies.