Isn't it interesting that we have had a whole page of debate about issues of food and what they might have seen from the cockpit, issues which will remain totally speculative (i.e. there will always be doubt). But no-one wants to talk about the FACT that the aircraft was not airworthy at the time.
Over the last week or so, I have asked every pilot I know whether they would fly in an aeroplane which required a vital connector to be checked every 15 minutes because of a history of accidental disconnection. These pilots range from experienced PPL's to 15,000 hr ATPL's. Some have extensive fast jet experience. Every one said that they would refuse to fly in it.
So, why was it considered OK at the time?