If AF447 did break up at high altitude, as investigators are now speculating, it is essential that an early explanation is found for the apparent rapid and fatal depresssurisation – Lightning strike or the massive forces within a tropical storm, whatever the cause, until there is a reasonable and plausible explanation it will inevitably put the A330-200 fleet and potentially the whole Airbus family, in a negative light .
If they cannot locate the FDR/CVR or pinpoint the reason for the accident it would be the worst result.