@soylent green
I would hesitate to say the airplane did not give them the message, the wind noise level at 60kts would be appreciably different to 500kts...? Or is it? - I'm unsure. I think that point was discussed way way back.
But full thrust plus rapid descent is a mushing stall. I think their critical skills froze under pressure of the unfamiliar. I suppose they don't spend enough enroute time rehearsing emergencies. Better than snoozing and keeps boredom away. I want to feel safe up there.