[M2Dude] .. every aircraft that I've ever been involved with has had NO AOG A/P inhibit. It's never been relevent before.
On the MD11 one cannot engage the AP while on ground during takeoff, only the AT. If I remember correctly (it has been a few years since I last flew the MD11), the AP engage button ('Auto Flight' button) is used to engage the AT during takeoff ...
With -reportedly- 7 other incidents on the B777 (how many were not reported?) of pilots inadvertently engaging the AP i.s.o. the AT during takeoff, I would consider it wise if Boeing were to re-evaluate the MCP design (especially if other A/C-types have not shown similar mishaps; why did B744/B737NGs not have similar problems with their MCPs/APs ?). Boeing will probably get away with this incident; any future crash, Boeing will probably be (at least partially) liable.
Nevertheless, I fully agree that non-standard MCP (or Flap, for that matter) selections during takeoff should not be performed nor excused.
My two cents...