further to my comment above about no absolute proof has been presented by MA and we have been told there serial number plate is missing.
Is it possible a repair had been carried out which they can track from maintenance docs or perhaps the major heavy components (end bracket hinges) have a serial number which can be traced to the actually assembly (by boeing) and there by give the flaperon serial number.
I am fairly certain for all major components full traceabilty must be kept forward and backward.
Or is it as I said above they are just "officially" confirming the blindingly obvious