Organfreak
A strong hint is furnished on the CVR, when PNF admonishes PF not to extend flaps. Later, there is an order to "Climb". One second later, we hear "NO, don't climb". "well, then, go down."
You question FLAPS? I wouldn't, but the man flying wanted to extend them, NO?
This is not speculation, this is an extension of CVR evidence. This kind of confusion develops on the Flight deck of a Legacy wide body in ETOPS?
This is not a third World cock up. This is a First World C/F. Boeing got nuthin to do with anything. This is NOT AB v. B. That is a sideshow.
cheers, bill