[roelschroeven]

From the Wikipedia article you linked: "The 737 MAX's larger CFM LEAP-1B engines are fitted further forward and higher up than in previous models. The aerodynamic effect of its nacelles contributes to the aircraft's tendency to pitch up at high angles of attack (AOA). The MCAS is intended to compensate in such cases, modeling the pitching behavior of previous models, and meet a certain certification requirement"

Note that last piece: "intended to [...] meet a certain certification requirement". So yes, part of the intention of MCAS is to meet the certification requirements. It's a bit downplayed in the text, but is very important nevertheless: the certification requirements MUST be met (MUST in the sense of the Internet RFCs). Modelling the behavior of previous models is a sufficient condition for that, and is what Boeing was trying to do anyways, but is not critical. Complying to the certification requirements is critical.