If we speculate on the PFs mental state (always a dangerous thing) I think we have to assume that he had only one thing in mind. All other information which might have contradicted this view was ignored or excluded. Sadly, the planes behaviour was not a factor in his actions. Evidence in similar situations tends to indicate fixation on one thing not a variety.
A study of cultural issues here would also yield dividends. Korean Airlines experience in the 80's and 90's is highly relevant with supposedly better trained military pilots messing up big time. It is also interesting to note the lack of CRM prevalent during that period. It is not where the pilot is from that is important but the culture and environment he/she operates in.
AS TTex600 notes past accident history does not indicate that things were necessarily better. But as accidents have gone down with better technology and more reliable aircraft, human factors have become more visible. Whilst a case can definitely be made that training is being neglected the airline culture has a more significant role.