Smilin Ed
" If the aircraft had been in trim before autopilot disconnect, there would not be any major departures from the previous attitude, unless there is a flight control system hiccup.
I have read, and reread, the BEA note over and over and I do not see any direct statement that the pitch up of AF447 was uncommanded. If someone else sees otherwise, let me know."
Then what caused the 7000 fpm rate of climb? If not strong updrafts. Which can cause attitude changes, and thence auto trim inputs.
The nose may be in a nose down attitude at the same time it is carried aloft.