Ed Set, as ever a comprehensive and compelling post. However, on one point I think you are wrong. You state that the members of the BoI were not influenced by this thread indeed you suggest the mere thought is laughable.
I do not agree. Can you provide any other example of a BoI report that failed to address specific shortcomings that instead were handed to a QC? That QC has the power to call a Public Inquiry, can you name any other accident report that has been subject to a Public Inquiry?
I have no doubt that the BoI Members were being absolutely straight with you. I also have absolutely no doubt that the SoS and his "spinners" had their hands all over the report. Not a single difficult question answered on the day.
Furthermore, compensation in principle has been agreed as a result of airworthiness issues before the verdict of the Inquest. Can you also name any other example in the last 6 years?
Ed Set, you are kidding yourself if you think the mountain of publicity and unearthing of facts had no influence.
One final question which I hope you can help me with. Days after the tragedy it was deemed "operationally essential" to carry on with AAR sorties.
How so, if no AAR sorties have been carried out since Nov?