Hi,
and how near is "very near"?
Seem's the "know datas" about AF447 put the flight very near "coffin corner" and the margins for speed or altitude were very thin .. at least.
Wy emphasize on FBW ?
Cause FBW is know for keep the plane flying (more easy than a full manual flying plane) on the limits or to not go of the limits
So as it will be very difficult to fly near "coffin corner" manually .. FBW make it more easy and pilots are more confidents to tease with this dangerous zone.
FBW is not only a help for piloting it's also allowed to build aircrafts differently and use them differently (more economical)
So even the cost of the FBW plane his higher than a non FBW .. air transport industry had understand the economic return of such investissement.
Methink FBW is a good move to more secure flight but this is eroded by the (sometime) use made of FBW by the air transport industry.