Without Rudder deflection limit at M.80 and with power available to deflect it, the assembly (Rudder and Vertical Stabiliser) would have parted the fuselage, given sufficient angle. (AA). Here, 447,"Inflight break-up" may have been limited to the loss of R and VS as a unit. Because the part is missing does not guarantee the disintegration of the rest of the Airframe.
I too think that ACARS is post event. My inkling is that the game was up at a/p disconnect and "Alt.Law". a/p disc., Alt. Law, excessive Rudder.
Aside. A rudder is nice, it trims the a/c. Without it, things are not nice, but survivable. Without a VS, controlled flight is virtually impossible.
So why does the Rudder always seem to take the VS with it when it exceeds its structural limits? Had AA only lost its Rudder.....?