Why do pilots rotate through the tail strike body angle whilst the main gear is still in contact with the earth, when there is still plenty of runway left.?
Because the taught technique is to rotate at a set rate. Some types might pause or slow the rotation - depends on type / training. A late / slow / delayed rotation has it's own issues when Performance is critical...
Anyway - who said the tail strike occurred with the main wheels still on the ground? On the 763, the vulnerable point for a tailstrike is some time after the mainwheels lift off
NoD