GerardC.
You may be correct on a number of items. I (like all others who have posted on this topic) don't have the answers to this accident. All we can do is speculate with the meagre facts reported so far. We can only base our opinions on the many years spent flying different jets under all kinds of weather conditions.
Perhaps you would like to enlighten me on the difference between red on the wx satellite photo and red on the radar screen, I had no idea there was a difference. To me, red is red and means danger.
I agree there has been no mention of radar failure. This is only a hunch on my part given the fact that they flew through what appears to be an area of bad weather (even though they must have received a weather briefing before departure from Rio) and the fact that Airbus issued a notam reminding us not to depart with inop radar if there is known weather on the route. This came some time after the 447 crash. coincidence ? Maybe.
The other question is, why did other aircraft deviate around this weather that wasn't so bad in the eyes of some? Were they stupid to burn unnecessary fuel? Are they alive today?
I walked away from flying 2 years ago after surviving 32 years on 5 different jets. I did not fly through CBs at any time in my career. The old saying "prevention is better than cure" was always my guide. Thanks you for your interest in my post.