Let me add to the confusion. No one seems to have an answer as to why the plane zoomed up to 38,000 feet. At that time also the report mentions that the auto-pilot also kicked off. Thus the plane was in Alternate Law which to me means the only control of the plane was pitch thru the electric trim, and roll via the side stick which controls the rudder.
Again I ask the question, is this site incorrect when it states that auto trim is still used for over speed protection in Alternate Law!
http://www.airbusdriver.net/airbus_fltlaws.htm