Unbelievable really, the sheer number of MD-11's lost recently.
Incorrect entry of weights into the FMS is certainly plausible in this accident scenario, it wouldn't be the first time. Whether that was caused by finger trouble, or a gross load sheet error overlooked by all concerned remains to be seen.
Installation of the W&B system on that aircraft might have given the crew a heads up (transducers on all gears, transmits a relatively accurate computed weight and CG to the FMS, advisory info only). Very expensive option though, not many MD's have it, certainly this aircraft did not.
One other thing that came to mind, a failure of the center engine at V1, or worse, as the aircraft was rotated at Vr, would cause an enormous pitch up. Tried it many times in the sim, it's a nasty beast to handle successfully, even for highly experienced crews, and even when you know it's coming. Requires an aggressive and sustained push on the stick, something most of us are understandably reluctant to do close to the ground.