Having ploughed through the 10 odd pages of this post I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the CX A340 tailstrike at Auckland some time back. After a lot of speculation about the flight crew's ability (or lack of it), incorrect aircraft handling etc it was found the tail strike was due to underinflated main gear struts which had been brought to the attention of the ground engineer, by the crew, who had dismissed it. It was found the flight crew handled the rotation absolutely correctly & the tail strike could not have been avoided given the underinflated main gear struts.
I just mention this for those "armchair" investigators who may be suggesting it's the fault of the crew. It may well be, however I don't know & neither does anyone else so maybe waiting for the investigator's report could minimise "egg on face" & give the crew the benefit of the doubt they deserve.
Just a thought
