The Stall Scenario
I suppose if AF447 did the decel into a deep stall scenario, it would be found much closer to the last known position than the bulk of the search has been looking at.
Looks like the doughnut hole inside of the present search area might be a prime candidate. After all, how did it hit so slow?? Had to be well under 200 knots just based on the condition of the bodies, and the large size of the found wreckage.
If AF447 was drifting heading slowly on its way down, it would be even closer to the LKP. Maybe they have been searching too far out?