That's correct...
We have 2 item in the MEL referring to RAT Probe
RAT Probe Heater (in Ice & Rain Protection) can be INOP as soon as we don't expect ice conditions
This was the "failing part" that day (so the one we should make INOP)
RAT/Thrust Rating system (under Autoflight/Navigation) where is considered only the RAT Sensor (in this case it was fully operative)
The MEL says about this ITEM
The RAT portion may be inoperative provided:
a) A SAT or Standby RAT Indicating System or
PMS SAT readout is available,
b) Other systems affected by the RAT Probe
(DFGS, CADC, Thrust Rating, FMS, PMS) are
considered, and
c) Procedures are established to verify engine
power settings.
...continues with instruction about OM procedure
That is basically what i said before
The MEL tell us about considering systems that are AFFECTED BY the RAT probe, not system AFFECTING the RAT probe malfunction
So, the newspaper article is nonsense
Keepd in mind that there is only one breaker called "RAT Probe & Heater"
If we pull out this breaker (thus disconnecting the heater) the RAT will stop working entirely and the TRP will became INOP