However I remain adamant that this accident was directly caused by the numerous poor decisions made by the pilot that fateful day.
I agree.
Maybe the rudder was jammed, maybe it wasn't. If it was, it didn't get to full deflection by itself.
Maybe being charged with manslaughter was harsh, maybe it wasn't. But being found not guilty doesn't change the fact that his airmanship prior to the accident was poor to say the least.