There are so many unanswered questions. We need to know the answers, particularly if this is terrorist related. Even if it's not terrorist related, I'm sure fringe elements have been infused with some ideas.

At this point, it would have been cheaper if all planes had been equipped with more robust tracking technology. Besides the actual cost for the searches, there's the wasted mental energy worldwide, which is worth a lot of money also.
_________________________
If you're reading this, it's too late.