I think that is partly do to the media attention received, while the FAA and NTSB did a little grandstanding for themselves in the mean time.

I agree with you about trying to defend them, I won't attempt to defend or convict them because I simply wasn't there, nor do I have all the facts. There is no question as far as their competence, qualification, and ability to safely operate that aircraft reflecting back on the flight time they had accumulated. I think what we are looking at here was case of distraction leading to a acute loss of situational awareness, if the reports by the media are accurate.

That being said, regardless of how you feel about the incident, the FAA/NTSB have sidestepped the entire due process. My opinion is that the FAA and NTSB are in a way "foaming at the mouth" to be the first agency to destroy these guys' careers. The Company had already suspended these guys pending an investigation, but the FAA still felt the necessity to take "Emergency Certification Revocation Action". I think the NTSB is a little more credible since the whole subject of Transportation Operators, in general, being distracted while at work has come up a lot since that train crash operator missed a signal while sending a text message.

Hate to say it, these guys will probably be made an example of, between the FAA, NTSB, and the Company at a minimum one of these three outlets will want to see these guys never fly again. I personally won't pass judgment on these guys, but when judgment is finally passed down to these individuals, I hope it is for the right reasons and not because some bigwig in a suit wants to make an example out of them while getting his name in the news.

Not sure about you guys, but it's a sad to have to see ANY pilot loses his/her wings.