I realize that the Boeing Company has a diminished reputation, but there is one thing it is noted for. It is extremely hard to add a new “feature” to a Boeing design because in Boeing’s philosophy, “it has to buy its way on”. A lot of good ideas have been rejected over the years. Not saying MCAS was a good idea, but Boeing had to have thought it essential or they would not have expended the resources to add it. The need would have been identified by Boeing engineers. So I don't doubt there was a technical need, even if the solution leaves something to be desired.