All interested parties;
The dual engine failure referred to was the result of a botched crossfeed operation that left all pumps off and both crossfeeds closed. Both engines rolled back to a sub idle condition before suction feed commenced. The RAT deployed as advertised and the plane diverted.
The plane in question was extensively test flown and performed as predicted. When the manual says suction feed isn't guaranteed at high altitudes or high fuel flows, you had best believe it!
Contributing to the problem was something called "fuel weathering". Apparently "new" fuel contains a good deal of entrained air that makes suction feed less reliable.
A good refresher for all of us. Suction feed isn't a right, it's a privilege ;-)
GreenArc