the captain probably didn't notice the RAT heating...if he had checked the current draw at the gate, he wouldn't have started engines.
he probably noticed the gauge which gives the EPR setting for takeoff providing a very low power setting for takeoff
taking off with low engine power/thrust would/could cause a crash too.
after seeing the low power setting, he might have checked the RAT current...we really don't know.
awhile back I blamed the airline, I still do. DID the airline get all updates for operating the plane before the first revenue flight? Its their responsibility.
Did the airline train the pilots to understand the systems, checklist procedures, stall avoidance and recovery?
DID the boss of the airline get pay raises that would have paid for better training?
MONEY!