The "blocked vent" theory might be viable; there could be enough air entering the tanks to sustain the engines through TOD down to approach altitude, albeit at less-than-spec inlet pressure to the HP pumps.
But once the controls demanded accel in late approach, the blocked vents placed a real limitation on the amount of fuel delivered to the HP pumps. Ergo cavitation and failure to accel.
It might not be enough "vacuum" (i.e. tank pressure below ambient) to permanently deform the wing skins, but enough to starve the donks.