I have read every post in this long and interesting discussion. Each time I see it said that there was an uncommanded retraction of the flaps I am puzzled anew. I wonder if that conclusion is a "fact". The typed text does not show an answer (yes or no) from the Captain in reply to the F/O's question about should she retract the flaps, but instead of an audible reply isn't it possible that she might have been given an affirmative reply in the form of a gesture or a head shake etc from the very busy Captain? I suppose the odds are slim but in fairness ----.