and again, if you find yourself for whatever reason, technical or operational too close to any ugly weather out there, you just deviate, and worry about all the other stuff when you are out of danger..
period..
Absolutly right and more than often have had to tell F/O to deviate eventhough I had no contact. each time they were very shy about it and I really had to insist.
Furthermore these cases are well documented and planned. Descend or ascend 300 ft, lights on, broadcast on 123,45 and 121,5. Report to ATC when possible. If not, file an ASR. That's a real no brainer !!
As I said before, the BEA chose its words very carefully and I was astonished at the emphasis they put on the ATC. What on earth has it got to do with what happened ??. I'd call that window dressing to say the least.
Everyone used to this part of the world knows how crappy the ATC is and has been for 40 years.