@FirstStep.
Yours is an analysis that I can comprehend. Ultimately an investigation will be the final arbiter of the known facts. One fact that does seem clear at this stage, is that neither EICAS, the real time engine monitoring back at base nor the pilots, were aware of the large section of fan duct and thrust reverser that was missing. It would be interesting to hear the thoughts of the EK pilots, juxtaposed between what they understood whilst in the air and what they finally saw when positioned on the ramp.