mm43
Bonjour, a long time awaiting, no? Given the accuracy of the translation, the denial is probably one of jurisdiction, a first consideration of any court. The a/c was built (assembled) in France from parts created worldwide, flown by another nation's flag carrier, on a route that was not even tangential to US' territory. Those Americans on board were undoubtedly not thinking of jurisdiction, they were perhaps lost in thoughts of France, vacation, business, etc.
A Court, acting as a matter of "conveniens" must establish a thread of interest, legally. American citizens are quite helpless when travelling in the manner of AF447. Reason to fly United, on Boeings? Probably not, the odds are no doubt similar, and no one expects litigation.
Jurisdiction and compensation are exceedingly narrow, given the safe nature of Aviation as a whole. The Public interest is served here by an objective and energetic investigative authority; the aim should be to determine the cause and direct solutions.
Make up one's own mind re: the former.
ciao
bear