Gums, it's not that convoluted - Normal -> Alternate -> Direct. Couldn't be simpler. The only thing you need to remember is that protections are effectively off the table in anything other than Normal Law and more care must be taken when applying input.
The flight control computer system is not "cosmic" - it was only considered ground-breaking 24 years ago becuse it was the first, and the concept has formed the basis of most western airliners built since then.
I've already explained why the use of AoA without a cross-check from another data source is inappropriate in an airliner configuration. If the AoA sensors have failed at the same time as the pitot tubes, then control would potentially be limited in a way that prevents a successful recovery. It's better to put it in the hands of the pilots to make that call - with the caveat that the pilots must be trained properly and thoroughly.