Thanks JH:
Buffet, as indicated in the BEA report?
Pitch-up, as probably indicated on the attitude display?
Sudden increase in altitude, despite the flying pilot mentioning to both the captain and the second co-pilot that the REC MAX was only FL375?
There may be others.
Buffet could be one of them, although could also be confused with turbulence;
Pitch-up would have been another indication, if not for the "probably indicated" interjection you have used in your answer, because (like me) you are not sure. I haven't seen a good explanation for this message, yet 2:13:14FLR/FR0906010211 34123406IR2 1,EFCS1X,IR1,IR3,,,,ADIRU2 (1FP2),HARD;
and although I recognize they have completely obliterated their previous concerns regarding climbing restrictions, FL375 would have given them a 1,3G protection (in steady flight circumstances), so FL380 would have given them, what? 1,1G, 1,2G?.
But there are more, I'm sure. And altogether would have meant to a
clear minded pilot, that he would be approaching the edge of stall...