In a briefing recently Russian official confirmed parts of aircraft found already 1-2 km before the crash site.
Source ? That would certainly give a new angle to things, however all I can find on this presently is your word...
:offtopic:
The first thing that apparently was not "Lufthansa standard" on your jumpsear flight was the fact that YOU WERE ON THE JUMPSEAT!
Actually LH is one of the very few airlines left who DO take you on jumpseat, at the captain's discretion, if you are airline staff. All done in the professional LH manner, with briefing on the oxygen system and adherence to the clean cockpit rule. Had the pleasure several times myself, can only convey my thanks to the captains involved for not leaving me behind.