Ok, Let me re-post the Quick Reference Handbook information on just what these guys faced. This info was available long before this accident. It may also help to explain to those that don't fly the Airbus.
The QRH spells the situation quite clearly:---
Unreliable speed indic/ADR check proc:-
Maybe due to Radome damage, air probe failure or obstruction
Indicated Alt may be effected if static probes effected
Unreliable airspeed cannot be detected by the ADIRU
Since Flight control laws maybe effected maneuver with care
Unreliable speed may be suspected by-
--- Speed discrepancies between ADR 1, 2, 3 and standby
---Fluctuating or unexpected increase/decrease/steady indicated speed or pressure altitude
---ABNORMAL CORRELATION OF THE BASIC FLIGHT PARAMETERS
---Abnormal AP/FD/ATHR behavior
---Stall warnings, or overspeed warning or flap relief warnings that contradicts with at least one of the indicated speeds
-RELY ON THE STALL WARNING THAT COULD BE TRIGGERED IN ALTERNATE OR DIRECT LAW. IT IS NOT EFFECTED BY UNRELIABLE AIRSPEEDS BECAUSE IT IS BASED ON AOA
-DEPENDING ON THE FAILURE, THE OVERSPEED WARNING MAY BE FALSE OR JUSTIFIED. BUFFET ASSOCIATED WITH THE OVERSPEED VFE WARNING IS A SYMPTOM OF A REAL OVERSPEED CONDITION.
---Inconsistencies between radio altitude and pressure altitude
---Reduction in aerodynamic noise with increasing airspeed or increase in aerodynamic noise with decreasing speed
*my capitals to emphasize some sections*