Many simulators in the UK do not have the facility to simulate a blocked pitot and therefore many crews have not been trained for this. I have seen it demonstrated in a (non-UK) sim and it required a great deal of skill and concentration to overcome either a single or double blockage. It would seem that the crew concerned are to be commended.
Dave
Edit; Just to confirm, many UK sims do have this facility. However, many do not. When using one UK sim we had to fail the ADC which did not give the correct indications.