It sure sounds like a repeat of the Alaskan Air stuff up, only difference SO FAR is there has not been any loss of life. FAA were also in the hip pocket of the airline there ( sound Familiar)
Only 88 passengers and crew were killed on flight 261 and the FAA has issued an emergency AD calling for ALL A/C with stabilizers to be inspected concerning the jack screw assembly that operates the stabilizer. How about VALUJET 592 who lost a total of 110 passengers and crew with "aircraft wire" (PVC TYPE wire) that can not pass the minimum standards for FAR 25.
I believe Alaskan Air had a whistle blower, but no one would listen, short cuts taken with maintenance to save a quid, dejavu.