This was not the first UAS instance affecting an Airbus - but unless I am mistaken, it is the first that ended up in the Ocean. So, were the prior successful UAS occurrences luck? The aircraft systems were the same. The same cockpit displays, controls, warning tones, etc. What was different? The fella charged with flying the aircraft... yep, that is one identifiable difference.
If you read carefuly BEA's reports you will notice that most (if not ALL) affected crews wisely decided
NOT to apply the 5° up/TOGA drill
They are still alive (if, arguably, undisciplined).