The ATSB ain't what it used to be
This report is poorly written, contains too much opinion, and features the inappropriate use of flow charts.
Inappropriate use of flow charts is not unusual these days, but I would have expected better from the ATSB. The author appears unaware as to the purpose of flow charts. A hint for him is in the name: FLOW.
The author also appears intent on praising the crew. A factual report on something is not the place for opinion-based praise. PPRUNE is a more appropriate place for opinion-based praise!
But the biggest failing of the ATSB in this investigation would have to be the complete non-recognition of the fact that the flight computers are capable of making control surface deflections that will result in vertical accelerations of this magnitude.
If the ATSB gave any consideration to this issue they haven't made any mention of it.
This upset would have to be very embarrasing to Airbus. This has made their software look very amateurish indeed.
Question for the Airbus drivers: would these pitch-downs have still occurred with the autopilots disengaged? If yes, then what about in alternate law? Can the computers be manually switched to alternate law?