If one kowtows to the popular opinion, one would never question. Any alternate theory involves countering accepted (though perhaps questionable) conclusions.
The French treat an accident scene as a crime scene. Fine. Well then, was the Metal strip photographed in situ? What is the genesis of the convenient hook shape that allowed the strip to present in the vertical to the oncoming Goodyear? How did the offensive element migrate well left of the center line to intercept a tyre that was already left of said line? And that strip having originated on the right side of the donor aircraft? What of the telltale rubber deposits well in front of the spilled fuel? Why a triple when dual represented a preferred skid?
The last three years of my construction career was spent in working with French principals. There is a cultural flavor to the stubborn and precipitous need the French had for assigning "Blame" prior to any extensive forensics. It is obsessive, almost precognitive, and unnerving to associates.
More synthetic rubber comments to follow.