[mannykannot]

Perhaps the way to put it is that MCAS was necessary for certification, to correct a handling change caused by the installation of larger engines. Separately, the 737 MAX, in its as-produced form (which included MCAS), was considered similar enough to the NG that additional training was not thought necessary. Once Boeing had ruled out design choices such as a longer undercarriage with the engines moved back, or a larger stabilizer (if the latter would, in fact, have helped), the MAX without MCAS was not an option.