Notwithstanding the apparent crazy fuel planning, do any of the 146 experts know if this flight was flown at max-range parameters as opposed to a normally faster but less fuel efficient long range cruise (LRC)? What about the hold; was that flown iaw max endurance data for the given alt/weight?
I gather the subsequent glide was not flown at best gliding range speed, possibly due to a complete loss of SA.
It must have been horrific for the crew, but surely they knew a total loss of power was imminent. Perhaps if the weather had been better and with some daylight available their limited SA may have enabled an outcome with considerably fewer fatalities.