A bit premature on 447, but with the image of the complete R/VS assembly and the aerodynamic failures associated with its loss, the topic may be timely now. "Donated Failure". We have been addressing this concept for some time at my firm. Consider "crumple zone" where energy is dissipated by sequential failure of linear structural assemblies. "Ablative Cooling", where temps are dropped by sacrificing material in its melting or burning; "anomalous design" where systems have different capabilities but solve the same problems, Airbus and its "three different computers".
In Brief, if AA 587 had suffered a loss of its Rudder instead of the Rudder/Vertical Stabiliser together? Perhaps, though not demonstrable for AF447, the same?
A Rudder is a trimming device. Without it, flight is difficult but survivable. Without a VS, the game is over.
Had 587 been equipped with design limited hinges on its Rudder, well, you get the picture?
MD11 at Narita. Way too strong MLG and NLG caused the last bounce (when the NG failed to break off) and the subsequent "landing" on the mains, which broke both wings (but the gear "survived" on the right).
AF 447 may have had other issues, but if the VS separated first, instead of not at all (with a "donated failure" of the Rudder), ?? Will have to see.