There will be a debate at some point on the utility of all the sensors/ platforms used in this disaster. One thing to think about is the performance of the satellites. They have had a role and provided some datums based on what appeared as possible debris. Clearly the full imagery data has not been available and what was seen at the various datums has not been reported in the press. But what is clear is you need to get eyes in the datum quickly. In the first case to locate survivors and in the later days to ensure surface vessels do not transit 100s of miles to search an area with nothing in it.
MPA are best suited for this mission. Negative information can be important.