the idea that the BEA are somehow politically motivated to protect Airbus.
I think this can be explained in more shades
The BEA is certainly not politically motivated to protect anyone
By cons .. number of politicians (or government) are often highly motivated to protect the interests of the country (economy .. defense .. prestige .. etc)
It should probably not be recalled here that the BEA is a body under the french Ministry of Transport (sous tutelle)
In fact .. Mr Troadec (chief of staff BEA) and all are civil servants
If one day he (Troadec) would disagree with the Ministry of Transport .. the only way he could know would be to resign