I understand how the automation failed to do its job properly, but fail to see why the crew were unable to take control of the aircraft using basic flying skills and if need be, a little muscle.
That question has been asked & debated about on here for numerous scenarios; the question is oft repeated, but a definitive answer is still awaited, or rather implemented policy. The answer may be well understood, but not applied by operators. However, with inside and historical knowledge of Thomson, they are one of the more 'manual flight encouraged' airlines.