VicMel's post sums up why this thread can still be useful.
The most important reason we conduct thorough, and very expensive, investigations is to reduce the likelihood of a similar accident, through "lessons learned." In this case we have had confirmation of this lesson: Recovery of the all-important recorders is a herculean task in a deep ocean environment.
Recovery may not happen, or it may be that if the recorders are recovered, the data may be irretrievable due to the integrity of the boxes being compomised over time.
So, discussion of different data storage methods, possible in-flight transmission of CVR and FDR data, different structural and signalling requirements for the "boxes" are all valid and worthwhile. Having said that, the mods may well believe that such a discussion is more appropriate under a new thread on a different forum.
Grizz