Problem I see as a dinosaur from single seat planes is lack of authority from the more experienced PNF. Hell, I was the aircraft commander for my whole career. Only had about 4,000 hours, but damned near that many landings, maybe more. I used the A/P all the time to allow me to scan an approach plate, set my IFF, etc. I even allowed HAL to follow the ILS when in the VooDoo. Just to see how good he was. My 100/one-eigth landing was pure manual, with super talk vrom a Navy chief on the PAR scope.
As with others, I can't believe the nugget would pull back and hold it for so long. I completely understand the insidious approach to stall and then actually getting into the stall. The plane obviously has great aero, so no severe shaking or wing rock or....... Hell, the F-102 I flew a hundred years ago and the Concorde just had increased sink rate as you slowed down or pulled hard. BFD. The Deuce was so docile that one of my classmates damaged the main gear by trying to "flare" and then having a severe sink rate at touchdown. I think that the Mirage pilots here will have similar war stories.
I shall still maintain that the PF and the PNF were thinking that HAL would "protect" them from extreme AoA, even tho' the stall warning was displayed over and over.
'twas a sad day/night. I assign some fault to the plethora of warnings/cautions and such, with no clear indications of what was FUBAR. But my main feeling is what Bubbers and others have opined - hold what you got and take a few seconds to get squared away.
that;s my feelings, folks....