[LTCJ]

However, the government officials that I have seen speak on the matter have been reserved and cautious which is typical during such investigations.

I've been involved in enough accident/incident investigations that not too much surprises me anymore. I've worked with NTSB-(technical)-types before and respect their experience and especially their methodology. What did surprise me was the nature and timing of statements by and in reference to the NTSB. Those were enough for me to raise my eyebrow.

[catpuppy]

Well said. I think that your skepticism is reasonable.