Considering that the released images appear to have been carefully selected so as not to show the remains of the deceased and not to reveal details that may either explain or lead to speculation about the cause of the crash, we should consider that the rear of the aircraft is in fact in the debris field and has been located.
Does anyone have knowledge of the French legal system? WHOI is contracted to BEA so presumably the recovered boxes will be handed to the BEA. Let's hope there are proper procedures in place on the recovery ship. Since there are criminal charges involved, would the French court order that the FDR and CVR be examined under court supervision, or will the BEA have exclusive control over what happens to them.