Journos
"Some of the conjecture by so-called media "experts" is just stunning in its nonsense. It is hard to believe that these statements are being printed and given credence"
Journos don't make stuff up. You are quoting a Walkley award winning Australian journalist of high standing. They look for people of credibility and standing and report what they say. Its been mentioned elsewhere that Professional Pilots hold back their views until the evidence is in - so who is going to be quoted in the early days of a tragedy when the public is interested to know a reason presented at a level they can understand?
Newspapers in Australia target a mass audience not an audience of professional pilots with ultimate and superior expertise and experience - although I have seen a few wacky ideas on this forum too.