If the theory of a strong thermal updraft pushing the aircraft out of its operating envelope does turn out to be the case, and with all the flights that routinely travel this route, does this mean the cause is just bad luck, being in the wrong place at the wrong time at the wrong altitude at the wrong weight?
As the saying goes- 'it's one theory' (that daserves consideration)
That's not a very comforting thought. Why would a flight be on the knife edge knowing it was heading into a situation where greater margins could potentially be called for?
That is another question altogether... and reading back a few pages, several commentators have pointed out that if so, that is the pre-eminent question!
One answer that has occurred to me, and I think deserves knocking down quickly, is that the
possibility of overflying the worst might have seemed a 'least worst option'
Another, that whilst potentially safer lower down as far as maneouvre margins are concerned (& thus actual 'upset'), roughness of ride and high airframe loads can likely be more guaranteed and last longer (transit time)