The actual pressure (and it's not just "perceived") to get the job done is immense
Utter tripe. Where do you get this 'actual pressure' from, the tone of the AF email or the phone call from AF? If you are that sensitive I suggest you should stay away from aviation.
that those conducting Angel Flights ops need a CPL and an Instrument Rating to bring the risk to an acceptable level
Neither of those qualifications necessarily reduce risk. The IR may however improve dispatch rates. Plenty of rule breaking CPL holders out there. In my experience, the PPL's are more likely to cancel a flight due to a lower risk threshold.
The takeaway from this tragedy is to ensure that AF passengers are fully apprised of the risks involved in GA aircraft travel and that all involved are aware that there is always a plan B.