EternalNY1
I lean toward the stall scenario. The news media rarely have their information correct.
The Somatogravic Illusion may be a factor, but that has been around for years in various terms.
I flew the 737(200 through the BBJ) and the automation in the later models, I thought, was very good.
However, a few missed switch pushes, or settings could ruin your day.
Sadly, there seems to be less emphasis on simply flying the airplane instead of using the automation most of the time.
Peace to the families and those involved.