JP
As implied, I lean to the view that the most likely/most probable cause was pilot error; it is also my opinion that many military operators would give a similar pragmatic head-bowed shrug (clouds with solid centres, etc etc). And, even if the Board's finding had been accepted by the AMs, as a flight safety staffer I would be acting on my 'probability verdict' and seeking ways of avoiding a repeat performance.
But, with today's rules concerning demonstration of proof, I would be bound to accept an 'open' verdict. And given those rules, surely there is no other option?
Hope you don't think I'm fence-sitting. At the end of the day, the likes of you and I and the AMs will always hold our well-qualified professional opinions - I just happen to think that they don't match the legal requirements.
As an aside, there was a post some way back saying that it didn't take any courage to elect for a verdict of pilot error. Perhaps in this politically correct world the reverse is true!